The Sri Lanka Navy has stepped up relief efforts in flood-ravaged Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa districts following inclement weather, deploying teams to meet the daily needs of affected communities since 31st December 2023.

The Navy's operations in 2023 yielded impressive results, bringing to justice 343 persons, both local and foreign, involved in a wide array of illegal acts such as smuggling of narcotics, prescription drugs, and contraband as well as apprehending those involved in human smuggling.

The Sri Lanka Navy mobilized its flood relief teams to the Kinniya area of Trincomalee on 01st January 2024, to extend flood relief to affected communities in the area. As people in those localities are facing hardships due to floods in the wake of inclement weather, the Navy teams are currently working in full swing to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities.

Authorities of the Réunion Island of France repatriated 14 Sri Lankan nationals to Sri Lanka by air on 22nd December 2023. Reportedly, the group of Sri Lankans was apprehended as they were attempting to migrate to the Réunion Island illegally by sea.

Driven by a commitment to service, the Sri Lanka Navy has been a constant presence in flood-ravaged Parakramapura of Padaviya in Anuradhapura district since 03rd December 2023. Navy flood relief teams have been working tirelessly to help the affected community, and their efforts even continued on 23rd December.

A special search operation conducted by the Navy in the Veththalakerni beach vicinity, Jaffna on the morning of 24th December 2023 led to the recovery of more than 35kg (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis washed ashore.

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in Norochcholai area on 23rd December 2023, led to the seizure of a lorry loaded with approx. 1955kg of smuggled Tendu leaves.

The Sri Lanka Navy on 20th and 21st December 2023 sprang into action to clear a blockage under the Kanaperiya Bridge which is over Polathu Ganga in Yakkalamulla area of Galle.

The Navy apprehended 08 persons who engaged in illegal fishing practices, during special operations conducted off Kalpitiya, Baththalangunduwa and Uchchamunai on 19th December 2023. The operations also led to the seizure of 03 dinghies, about 1995 illegally harvested sea cucumbers as well as diving equipment.

Following adverse weather conditions prevailing in several parts of the island, the Sri Lanka Navy has mobilized its flood relief teams in Balakawala area of Athuraliya in the Matara district since 12th December 2023. Standing with flood victims, teams are providing much-needed assistance to those affected communities as of now.