In a decisive move to combat illegal fishing activities, the Navy apprehended 06 persons who were found engaging in light-coarse fishing off Chundikulam and Chalai, Jaffna in the wee hours of today (24th May 2023). The search operations also led to the seizure of 06 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear used by the suspects.

The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) embarked on a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation to assist the ongoing operations at the overturned Chinese fishing vessel LU PENG YUAN YU 028, which was reported on 16th May 2023 in Australian Search and Rescue Region, south of Sri Lanka. At the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Sri Lanka Navy's Offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS Vijayabahu with a team of Navy divers was directed to engage in this crucial mission.

Special operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the wee hours of 22nd May 2023 led to the apprehension of 16 persons for engaging in light-coarse fishing, fishing without valid licence and fishing using unauthorized nets, in the sea areas of Nayaru and Alampil as well as sea and lagoon areas of Kokilai in Pulmudei. During these operations the Navy also took hold of unauthorized fishing gear and 07 dinghies used for these illegal acts.

The Sri Lanka Navy, renowned for their expertise in disaster response, was called upon once again to clear a logjam under the Wakwella Bridge, on 19th and 22nd May 2023. The logjam consisted of garbage and debris washed away by heavy rains, obstructing the natural flow of the Gin Ganga at the Wakwella Bridge.

The Navy and Police nabbed a woman with 54 Water Gel sticks - a type of commercial explosive and 50 non-electric detonators, during a special search operation conducted in Kasimnagar of Kuchchaweli, Trincomalee today (22nd May 2023). The apprehension was made after searching a suspicious house where the explosive items had been hidden.

The Navy apprehended 02 persons for slaughtering sea turtles, during a search operation conducted in Arippu of Silawathura in Mannar today (22nd May 2023). Along with the suspects, the Navy also found 02 live sea turtles and some turtle flesh in their possession.

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police in Roddapadu beach area, Kalpitiya on 19th May 2023, led to the apprehension of 02 suspects with about 603kg of dried sea cucumber and 11520 shampoo packets (6ml each) hidden in a house.

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy off Sinnaarichchalai, Kalpitiya on the night of 18th May 2023, led to the apprehension of 02 suspects with about 193kg (wet weight) of dried sea cucumber and several other contraband items being smuggled. The Navy also seized a dinghy used by the suspects, for this illegal act.

Based on information derived from a coordinated intelligence operation conducted by the State Intelligence Service and Sri Lanka Navy, a local multiday fishing trawler carrying about 111kg and 606g of heroin (including packages) and about 10kg and 254g (including packages) of hashish was intercepted by SLNS Vijayabahu on 13th May 2023. The special operation mounted about 413 nautical miles (about 764km) off Dondra, South of Sri Lanka, also led to the apprehension of 06 suspects involved in this illegal act. The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, arrived at the Colombo Harbour this morning (18th May) to personally inspect the seized consignment.

In the wake of inclement weather prevailing in several parts of the island, the Navy has swiftly mobilized its relief teams in Galle, Akuressa, Kotapola, Nagoda, Thawalama, Kamburupitiya and Athuraliya areas in the Southern Province since 14th May 2023. Demonstrating their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the Navy relief teams are currently engaged in alleviating the suffering of the affected communities.