Over 2276 kg of smuggled Kendu leaves seized in Negombo

The Sri Lanka Navy seized over 2276 kg of smuggled Kendu leaves, during a coordinated search operation conducted with the Police in Negombo today (23 August 2026). The operation also led to the apprehension of 2 dinghies and a lorry (1) employed for this illegal act.

The operation was conducted in the Wellaweediya coastal area by personnel attached to SLNS Kelani under the Western Naval Command, together with personnel from the Negombo Thelwatta Police.

During the search, 2 suspicious dinghies and a lorry (1) in the area were inspected. Raiding party subsequently discovered the consignment of Kendu leaves, which was suspected to have been smuggled into the country by the dinghies and was being prepared for transportation in the lorry.

The seized Kendu leaves, 2 dinghies and the lorry were handed over to the Negombo Thelwatta Police for further legal proceedings.