Navy seizes over 677kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in north-western coastal operations

The Sri Lanka Navy seized more than 677kg of smuggled Kendu leaves during two search operations conducted in the Kalpitiya and Silawathura coastal areas on 1 and 2 August 2026.

The operations were carried out by personnel attached to SLNS Vijaya and SLNS Therapuththa of the Northwestern Naval Command, acting on credible information. During the searches at Vellai Island in Kalpitiya and the Saveriyapuram beach area in Silawathura, naval personnel recovered 15 suspicious sacks.

The sacks were stuffed with Kendu leaves, weighing more than 677kg. The consignment is believed to have been smuggled into the country and abandoned by smugglers due to constant naval surveillance.

The seized stock of Kendu leaves was handed over to the Excise Department offices in Puttalam and Mannar for onward legal proceedings.