Forty-five (45) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities have been apprehended along with 11 dinghies, 02 canoes and 01 cab in multiple locations across Sri Lanka from 29th September to 07th October 2025, according to the Sri Lanka Navy.
The arrests have been made during separate operations conducted by the Navy with the assistance of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Police Special Task Force (STF).
The 45 individuals were arrested in the coastal areas of Maleimunthal, Kokkuthuduwai, Boulder Point, Kokilai, Kadiraweli Point, Poduwakattu, Foul Point, Ottamawadi, Plantain Point, Kalkuda and Kallarawa in Trincomalee and in the town area of Jaffna by the Northern and Eastern Naval Commands.
They were nabbed for their involvement in fishing with unauthorized nets and explosives, engagement in illegal fishing methods and fishing practices without a valid licence.
The suspects, along with the fishing boats, a vehicle and unauthorized gear, have been handed over to the offices of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Jaffna, Kinniya, Mullaitivu, Kuchchaweli, Lankapatuna, Cod Bay and Batticaloa. (Newswire)
