Sri Lankan Fishermen sentenced in Myanmar for violating maritime boundaries

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A Myanmar court has sentenced the captains of the fishing vessels recently seized by Myanmar to five years in prison.

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Myanmar Janaka Bandara says that the other 13 fishermen who were arrested were sentenced to 3 years in prison each.

However, the Ambassador expects the fishermen to be released under amnesty.

A total of 15 Sri Lankan fishermen were arrested along with two fishing vessels for violating Myanmar's maritime boundaries and engaging in fishing activities.

The fishermen, hailing from Kalpitiya and Negombo, set sail last November in two vessels, "Rayanputa" and "Lawrence." 

Their journey took an unexpected turn on December 2nd when they were arrested by the Myanmar authorities.