External affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted: "66 Indian fishermen released by Sri Lanka set sail for home. To reach Indian coast by night."

Of the fishermen, 27 are from Nagapattinam, 19 from Pudukottai, 12 from Rameswaram and eight from Karaikal in the union territory of Puducherry. They were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on different dates for allegedly fishing in Lankan waters.

Their release was ordered after a Ramanathapuram District Judicial Magistrate ordered the release of 12 Sri Lankan fishermen who were arrested Sep 30, along with their two boats.

On Monday, a Sri Lanka court released 28 Indian fishermen.

(new Kerala)