Eight Sri Lankan fishermen who were arrested by Madagascar security forces have been remanded in custody.

The multi-day fishing vessel Root Baba 06, which departed from Wennappuwa on April 5 with the eight fishermen on board, was intercepted on June 2 for allegedly violating maritime boundaries.

The fishermen claim they are facing severe hardship due to the lack of basic facilities, including food and clean water.

They have appealed to the authorities to intervene and secure their immediate release.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Fisheries says efforts are underway through the Sri Lankan Embassy in Seychelles to facilitate the release of the fishermen currently detained in Madagascar.

Deputy Minister Ratna Gamage stated that the court proceedings in Madagascar have been postponed until August 4, due to the unavailability of a translator fluent in both French and Sinhala.