Sri Lana’s Deputy High commissioner in Chennai P.M.Hamza said Indian authorities had informed him on Friday evening that Canisius Fernando a Sri Lankan fisheries trade union leader had been shot dead by a prison guard at India's Madurai Central Prison.

Canisius Fernando was on a visit to help release eight fishermen who were held in remand prison by Indian authorities for entering Indian waters.

“Mr Canisius Fernando had duly informed the Sri Lankan High Commission of his visit and the Sri Lankan government has informed the provincial government of Tamilnadu of its concerns of the killing of Fernando“said Deputy High Commissioner, P. M.Hamza speaking from Chennai.

The Tamilnadu authorities have informed the Deputy high commissioner that investigations are being held.

The Secretary of the Lanka Fishermen’s Trade Union N. Vijendra said that Canesius Fernando was asked to wait outside of the prison from ten in the morning to three in the evening.

“Canisius was denied the opportunity of visiting the Sri Lanka detainees within the usual visiting hours and it is believed later there has been an argument “said Vijendra.

Prison authorities say that the guard shot Canisius Fernando on suspicion.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Chennai said that legal assistance will be made available to the family of Canisius Fernando