Navy apprehends 59 persons for involvement in illegal fishing activities

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 59 persons and seized 23 dinghies during search operations carried out in multiple coastal areas across the island between 11 and 30 September 2026. The suspects were involved in illegal fishing using unauthorized fishing nets and explosives.

The operations were conducted by the Eastern, Northern and North Central Naval Commands across coastal and sea areas including Vakarai, Muthur, Uppuweli, Green Bay, Kadiraweli, Flag Staff, Foul Point, Kinniya, Nilaveli, Kumburupiddy, Verugal, Palchchenai, Pudumathalan and Sadugal in Trincomalee, as well as Veththalakerni, Kaddaikadu and Kovilan in Jaffna, and Thavulpadu and South Bar in Mannar.

The suspects, fishing boats and banned fishing gear seized during the operations were handed over to the offices of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Vakarai, Cod Bay, Mullaitivu, Muthur, Trincomalee, Jaffna and Mannar for onward legal action.