An Indian fisherman, Ramu, was killed when the Sri Lankan navy opened fire at his fishing boat near Kachatheevu island on Tuesday, sources said.

Other fishermen brought the boat, which was damaged in the firing, to the coast, the sources said.

Tension prevailed in Rameswaram when Ramu's body was brought ashore.

Officials said this was the first such shooting by the Sri Lankan navy in more than a year.