COLOMBO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka on Tuesday said that GPS technology will be used to investigate allegations that a group of Indian fishermen were shot at by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The Foreign Ministry said the government was deeply concerned about the alleged shooting on Indian fishermen and the connected loss of life of one fisherman and the injury to another.
"The safety of fishermen is of utmost importance and the government of Sri Lanka is firm in its commitment to ensuring that all government agencies treat all Indian fishermen in a humane manner at all times," the Foreign Ministry said.
The Foreign Ministry said initial investigations indicate that the Sri Lanka Navy is not involved in the alleged incident.
"Irrespective of the parties involved, if in fact a shooting has taken place, it is a matter of grave concern, and all possible actions will be taken, in cooperation with the relevant Indian authorities, to investigate into this incident, utilizing GPS technology as well," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had told local media he sought a report on the alleged shooting incident.
Amaraweera said he did not believe the Navy was involved in the incident yet he has asked for a report from the Navy Commander and the Defence Secretary.
The Navy denied claims it opened fire on a group of Indian fishermen that killed one and injured another.
Indian media reported that the Sri Lankan Navy had allegedly shot dead a 21-year-old fisherman and injured some others when they opened fire on fishermen from poaching in Sri Lankan waters.
