The Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has ordered the release of Indian fishermen detained within Sri Lankan jails, ahead of his attendance at the swearing in ceremony of the Indian Prime Minister designate, Narendra Modi.
"As a goodwill measure on the occasion of @narendramodi's swearing-in, President instructs officials to release Indian fishermen in custody," Rajapaksa's official twitter account tweeted this morning.
According to the Indian news channel, NDTV, the move is being seen as an attempt to counter the controversy and back lash in Tamil Nadu over Rajapaksa's invitation.
Welcoming the decision, Mr. Modi later tweeted: "I welcome the step by Sri Lanka & Pakistan to release our fishermen. I welcome our fishermen brothers back home!"
The Pakistan government has also pledged to release 152 Indian fishermen currently in custody ahead of the swearing in ceremony tomorrow.
Related articles:
Tamil Nadu students protest against Rajapaksa invite (24 May 2014)
Congress sides with Tamil Nadu over Modi's Rajapaksa invite (24 May 2014)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister 'dismayed' at Rajapaksa invite for Modi swearing-in ceremony (22 May 2014)
Tamil Nadu parties criticise Rajapaksa's invitation to Modi's swearing-in ceremony (22 May 2014)
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