Navy nets 27 individuals for engaging in illegal fishing activities

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended twenty-seven (27) individuals along with ten (10) dinghies and two (02) canoes during a series of search operations carried out to prevent illegal fishing practices across local waters from 16 June to 30 June 2026.

Conducted by the Eastern, Northern and Northwestern Naval Commands, the operations spanned the coastal areas of Soodaikuda and Sweet Bay in Trincomalee, Uduthurai, Veththalakerni, Kaddaikadu, and Chalei in Jaffna, as well as Savaripuram in Silavathurai.

Along with the suspects and fishing boats, naval personnel also seized commercial-grade explosives and prohibited fishing gear being used in violation of maritime regulations. The apprehended individuals and items were handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources offices in Trincomalee, Mutur, Jaffna, and Mannar, as well as the Maradankerni Police Station, for onward legal action.