Chinese sailor arrested at Sri Lankan port

COLOMBO - A Chinese sailor was arrested near the Colombo port in Sri Lanka by the navy and handed over to the police after used bullets from an M-16 rifle were found in his boat, police said on Tuesday.

The Chinese man who is the captain of a Taiwan's fishing boat with Oman flag was arrested after spent bullet caps were found in the boat when it entered Sri Lankan waters.

The navy from the Rangala base near the Colombo port searched the boat when it entered Sri Lankan waters on Saturday.

The navy found 5 spent bullet caps and 2 unexploded Rocket Propelled Grenade rounds.

The Chinese man was handed over to the harbor police late on Monday after he was brought ashore.

The police said that the Chinese sailor will be produced before the Colombo court on Tuesday while the harbor police conduct further investigation.  

The Chinese embassy said it has urged Sri Lankan authorities to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese sailor and release him as soon as possible.