Naval personnel aboard SLNS Nandimithra rescued seven (7) sea turtles trapped in a fishing net and safely released them back into the ocean on 26th November 2024. The distressed turtles were discovered in the western seas of Sri Lanka during a routine patrol.

Following inclement weather prevailing in the country, the Sri Lanka dispatched relief teams to the Akuressa and Athuraliya areas in the Matara district. The relief teams are currently (as of 26th November 2024) working in full swing to provide necessary aid and support to affected communities.

As severe weather conditions threaten the island, the Sri Lanka Navy proactively deployed 03 relief teams on 24th November 2024, to vulnerable areas of Akuressa and Athuraliya in Matara district. These teams are actively engaged in disaster relief operations, working tirelessly to provide necessary aid and support to affected communities.

Following a successful intelligence-sharing operation between the Sri Lanka Navy and the Maldivian Coast Guard, a Sri Lankan fishing trawler carrying about 344 kg of crystal methamphetamine and about 124 kg of cocaine was seized by Maldivian Coast Guard on 23rd November 2024. The operation also led to the apprehension of 05 suspects in connection to the incident.

The Sri Lanka Navy rendered assistance to bring ashore a critically ill fisherman, who was aboard a local multi day fishing trawler, southwest of Sri Lanka, about 78 nautical miles (144km) off the Galle Lighthouse. After being brought ashore today (20th November 2024), on being coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, he was rushed to the Teaching Hospital of Karapitiya by the Navy, for medical attention.

A coordinated search operation conducted by the Navy and Divisional Crime Detective Bureau, Mannar in the Aluth Palama area, Mannar on 18th November 2024 led to the apprehension of a suspect with about 4kg and 248g of Kerala cannabis and a motorcycle.

The Sri Lanka Navy, during a special operation on the high seas about 110 nautical miles (200km) west of Sri Lanka, intercepted a local multi-day fishing trawler suspected of smuggling narcotics. The operation, conducted by SLNS Nandimithra, resulted in the apprehension of 05 suspects linked to the illicit activity. Upon escorting the vessel to Galle Harbour, a detailed inspection uncovered approximately 46kg and 116g of heroin, concealed in 40 parcels packed into 02 sacks. The seized narcotics are estimated to have a street value exceeding Rs. 1152 million.

Another special operation mounted by the Sri Lanka Navy on the high seas about 110 nautical miles (200km) west of Sri Lanka led to the interception of a local multi-day fishing trawler and apprehension of 05 suspects on 16th November 2024, for smuggling narcotics. It is suspected that the trawler is carrying about 40kg of narcotics. The trawler along with the suspects and narcotics are being escorted ashore by the Navy for further investigation and onward legal action.

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Ippanthivu sea area of Kalpitiya on 16th November 2024 led to the seizure of 1263kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves and 118kg (wet weight) of mini-cigars filled with tobacco flake, attempted to be smuggled into the country. During this operation, the Navy also apprehended 02 suspects and a dinghy which was used for this racket.

A search operation conducted by the Navy and Police led to the confiscation of 442,680 capsules of prescription drugs which had been hidden away in shrubs. The coordinated operation was conducted in the Musalpitiya area of Kalpitiya on 14th November 2024.