Navy apprehends 02 persons with 14.5kg of turtle flesh

During a search conducted in the beach area of Southbar, Mannar today (20th November 2019), the Navy held 02 persons with 14.5kg of turtle flesh.

The North Central Naval Command while carrying out a search at the Southbar beach had spotted a suspicious vessel returning to the shore and found this stock of turtle flesh in the vessel. Subsequently, the two suspects were held along with their fishing vessel.

The two suspects have been identified as residents of Mannar. The accused along with the fishing vessel and turtle flesh were subsequently handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries, Mannar for onward action.

Sri Lanka Navy has taken many steps for the conservation of sea turtles which are classified as threatened or endangered due to human actions. As such, it is the collective responsibility of the mankind to protect this species of sea animal whose life could be at stake.