COLOMBO - The Sri Lankan navy said it arrested 37 Chinese fishermen on Sunday night, and the Chinese embassy has called for an early release.

Navy spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya told Xinhua on Monday that the Chinese were arrested for fishing in Sri Lankan waters illegally and would be handed over to police for further investigations.

The fishermen were aboard two fishing trawlers when they were spotted off the eastern coast of Batticaloa, he said, adding that two Sri Lankans were also arrested.

The Chinese embassy said it has urged Sri Lankan authorities to handle the issue in accordance with the law, sort out the truth and release the Chinese fishermen as soon as possible.