Navy nabs 53 individuals for illegal fishing practices

2026-03-20 - 16:05

The Sri Lanka Navy says they have nabbed 53 individuals engaged in various illegal fishing activities recently. The arrests were made during a series of operations across the island’s waters from March 03 – 18. These operations were executed by the Eastern, Northern, North Central, Northwestern, and Southern Naval Commands, covering key coastal and sea areas including Vedithalathivu, South Bar, and Vankalai in Mannar; Udappuwa and Udayurputhi in Puttalam; Kandaladi, Kaluwankerni, Palchenai, and Saukkadi in Vakarai; Mandaitivu in Jaffna; Kinniya and Kokilai in Trincomalee; and Akurala in Galle. These efforts resulted in the apprehension of fifty-three (53) individuals engaged in various illegal fishing activities. During the raids, naval personnel also seized 13 dinghies and 04 tractors used for these unlawful purposes. The suspects were apprehended while engaging in highly destructive and prohibited practices, including the use of banned nets, commercial explosives and unauthorized light coarse fishing. Furthermore, some were found conducting nighttime diving without valid permits, while others utilized mechanical winches and tractors to facilitate their illegal harvesting. The apprehended individuals along with the unauthorized items and vehicles were handed over to the Iluppukadawai Police Special Task Force; the Fisheries Inspectors in Mannar, Puttalam, Valaichchenai, Batticaloa, Mandaitivu, Nanattan, Kinniya, and Mullaitivu; and the Coast Guard in Galle. (Pics : navy.lk)