Bhathiya Barukanda
During a series of search operations conducted in the sea areas of Iranakerni and Nilaveli in Trincomalee, Kokilai in Mullaitivu, Chalai in Veththalakerni, Erakkandi and Elisabeth Point in Trincomalee from 30th June to 03rd July 2024, the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 38 persons for their involvement in illegal fishing activities. These operations also led to the confiscation of 07 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear.
The Sri Lanka Navy maintains a vigilant stance, actively engaging in operations to combat illegal fishing within its sea and coastal regions. This initiative aims to endorse and support legal fishing activities.
As an extension of these efforts, SLNS Walagamba in the Eastern Naval Command apprehended 04 individuals, along with 01 dinghy, for fishing using unauthorized nets in the sea area of Iranakerni on 30th June. Moreover, SLNS Vijayaba nabbed 03 persons and 01 dinghy for their involvement in fishing with banned fishing nets off the Nilaveli sea area on 01st July. In the same vein, 08 more persons, along with 01 dinghy and unauthorized fishing gear, were apprehended by SLNS Gotabaya, SLNS Ranweli and Rapid Action Boat Squadron during a search operation conducted off Kokilai.
In addition, the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni belonging to the Northern Naval Command apprehended 08 persons with 02 dinghies for their involvement in light-coarse fishing and fishing with unauthorized nets, during a search operation carried out in the sea area of Chalai on 03rd July. Meanwhile, SLNS Vijayaba in the Eastern Naval Command and Rapid Action Boat Squadron conducted a search operation off Erakkandi and apprehended 07 individuals with 01 dinghy for engaging in fishing using unauthorized nets. Moreover, a search operation mounted by the Naval Dockyard led to the apprehension of 08 persons and seizure of 01 dinghy for engaging in fishing with unauthorized nets off the Elephant Point, Trincomalee.
The persons held in these separate operations were identified as residents of Kuchchaveli, Pulmoddai, Erakkandi, Trincomalee, Kinniya, Welioya and Negombo areas, who are from 23 to 48 years of age. The accused, together with dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear, held in these operations were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Kuchchaveli, Assistant Directorate of Fisheries – Mullaitivu, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Jaffna as well as Trincomalee and Cod Bay Fisheries Inspectors for onward legal action.
