Operations News
2026
November
Navy seizes over 189kg of heroin and ‘ice’ valued more than Rs. 4.2 billion in southern seas
The Sri Lanka Navy intercepted a local multi-day fishing trawler smuggling approximately 189kg and 246g of methamphetamine (ice) and heroin on the high seas south of Sri Lanka, taking 5 suspects into naval custody.
Four (4) fishermen stranded by cyclone ‘Arnab’ brought ashore
Four (4) fishermen stranded at sea following the effects of cyclone ‘Arnab’ were brought safely to Hambantota port by the Sri Lanka Navy this morning, 3 November 2026. They were brought aboard the Offshore Patrol Vess...
Suspect nabbed with cannabis mixed tobacco product in Kalmunai
The Navy, in coordination with the Excise Department, arrested a suspect (1) and seized a cannabis mixed tobacco substance known as "Mukku Thool" during a search operation in Kalmunaikudi area today, 3 November 2026.
Navy renders assistance in bringing ashore 4 stranded Kudawella fishermen
Following a distress call by the Department of Fisheries regarding four (04) fishermen who departed the Kudawella fisheries harbour on board the fishing trawler ‘Eagle’ (IMUL-A-0022-TLE) on 21 October 2026, for fishin...
Navy nabs 47 persons over illegal fishing activities
The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 47 persons for engaging in illegal fishing during operations conducted in coastal areas between 17 and 31 October 2026. The operations also resulted in the seizure of 11 dinghies and 2 t...
Navy search operations continue for 7 fishermen unlocated at sea
The Sri Lanka Navy is continuing search and rescue operations today, 1 November 2026, to locate 7 fishermen who have failed to return after setting sail from Kudawella and Chalai.
Navy seizes Indian fishing trawler with 7 fishermen for illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters
The Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian fishing trawler (1) and apprehended 7 Indian fishermen whilst engaged in illegal fishing having crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in historic waters of Sri Lan...
Navy responds to medical emergency of foreign vessel crew member
The Sri Lanka Navy evacuated a crew member critically injured aboard a Marshall Islands-flagged cargo vessel off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The operation was conducted in the early hours of today, 1 November 202...
October
Suspect nabbed in Valaipadu, Kilinochchi with illegally harvested sea cucumbers
The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended a suspect (1) and seized a small boat (1) carrying nearly 1,500 illegally harvested sea cucumbers during a search operation conducted in the Valaipadu lagoon, Kilinochchi, on 29 October ...
Navy deploys relief teams for community affected by adverse weather
The Sri Lanka Navy has kept 171 disaster relief teams on standby and deployed 17 units across 5 provinces to assist communities affected by severe weather.