A BUDDHIST monk is staging a fast unto death here, demanding Sri Lanka`s intervention to secure the release of some six fishermen allegedly held by India.
Reverend Bandiwewa Diyasena, a monk in the north western coastal town of Kalpitiya and the 65- year-old mother of two of the six fishermen are not taking food.
The six on board trawler `Sachin Putha` had ventured out fishing from the eastern port of rincomalee on March 8 last year.
“They have been held over a year now. I have been to see them twice. I want government to intervene to seek their release.
When the Indian fishermen are held the Indian government takes quick action and get their men released within 2-3 days," Reverend Diyasena said.
The fishing authorities said they were making efforts to obtain their release. But the two protesters said they would only give up if the detained fishermen telephone them saying they were free.
