Vasan slams Lankan minister, says one-sided statement would vitiate Indo-Lanka talks on January 20

CHENNAI:
Union Shipping Minister G K Vasan has hit out at the statement by Sri Lankan Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne for putting forth conditions on release of Indian fishermen from Sri Lanka prison a week before India-Sri Lanka talks on January 20 to resolve the fishermen row between both the countries
Senaratne has stated that all the 275 Indian fishermen will be released only after India sends back all its fishermen including 34 in Andhra Pradesh.
Talking to reporters after inaugurating a bronze statue of freedom fighter and social reformer Babu Jagjeevan Ram, Vasan said that the conditions put forth by the minister could vitiate the atmosphere leading to the talks between both Indian and Sri Lanka.
Vasan termed the statement as one-sided and irresponsible one and said such statement by officials and ministers from both the countries should be avoided.
“Political leaders and officials to refrain from making such statements as everyone was interested in bringing back home the fishermen and their boats immediately and safely,” the minister said.
To a query on the agenda as well as whether Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa would be invited for the talks, the minister said that Ministry of External Affairs is hosting the talks and they would announce about who is participating in the talks as well as the venue.
Vasan also unveiled the bronze statue of former Deputy Prime Minister Babu Jagajivan Ram in Tondiarpet Housing Colony premises of Chennai Port Trust. Paying rich tributes to Babu Jagajivan Ram, the minister  recalled the services by the latter to the downtrodden and weaker sections in the society.
Vasan also announced the disbursal of wages arrears of Rs 120 crore to class III and IV employees of Chennai Port Trust with effect from January 2012. In all, 7,143 employees would get wage arrears.