Newly-appointed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take steps to secure the release of 20 Indian fishermen and 75 boats from the custody of Sri Lankan authorities.

In his first letter to Modi after assuming office, Panneerselvam referred to the arrest of total 20 fishermen by the island nation on two separate occasions last month, Indian media reported.

He also acknowledged the efforts of jailed AIADMK chief and former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa as well as the Union Government in securing the release of fishermen from Sri Lankan custody.

Jayalalithaa loyalist and Tamil Nadu Finance Minister O. Panneerselvam was chosen on September 28 to be the chief minister after the AIADMK supremo was convicted and sent to jail for four years in a Rs 66.65 crore disproportionate asset case.