India has released 16 Sri Lankan fishermen who were in custody in Karnataka State in South India, Sri Lanka's Fisheries Ministry said.

According to Colombo Page, a Fisheries Ministry spokesman said the Ministry is making prompt arrangements to bring the released fishermen back to Sri Lanka.

According to the spokesman another batch of 23 Sri Lankan fishermen are still in custody in Andhra Pradesh, South India and efforts are being made to obtain their release.

He said 12 Sri Lankan boats are also under the custody of Andhra Pradesh.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa Wednesday ordered the release of all Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody on the occasion of India's Independence Day, which is observed today.

Accordingly, 95 Indian fishermen will be released under the President's order.

Indian media reports said that 74 Indian fishermen have been released in Jaffna yesterday while another 20 will be released today from Mannar jail.