Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekeran has called for a detailed report from the Sri Lanka Navy following a violent altercation during an anti-poaching operation off the Trincomalee coast, where the Navy is accused of shooting a fisherman.
The Ministry stated that the Minister has instructed the Navy to carry out a full investigation and submit a report urgently, adding that further steps will be taken based on its findings.
Navy Spokesperson Commander Buddika Sampath confirmed that a naval team was deployed on June 3 to apprehend suspects engaged in illegal fishing.
While a fishing vessel was being brought ashore for legal proceedings, several other boats approached the Navy craft. Individuals from these vessels reportedly boarded the Navy boat, assaulted personnel, and attempted to free the detained suspects.
During the confrontation, one person allegedly tried to grab a firearm from a Navy officer, resulting in a struggle during which the weapon discharged. The injured individual was hospitalized, along with two Navy personnel who were also hurt in the incident. (Newswire)