The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has launched a major programme to strengthen the livelihoods of Northern fishing communities, presenting recommendation letters to 120 beneficiaries for one‑acre sea cucumber farming projects.

The ceremony, organized by the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), was held at the Kayts Divisional Secretariat with Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar attending as Chief Guest.

Under the initiative, 20 producer groups, each comprising six members, received recommendation letters granting initial site approval. This step enables them to obtain the mandatory Aquaculture Management Licence, authorizing commercial operations.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Chandrasekar described sea cucumber farming as a sustainable, high‑value livelihood for coastal communities. He emphasized its potential to boost Sri Lanka’s Blue Economy, increase export earnings, and generate valuable foreign exchange.

The Minister further pledged to expand community‑based aquaculture programmes nationwide, aiming to strengthen rural economies, create new employment opportunities, and improve the livelihoods of fishing families. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Navy has apprehended 26 suspects and seized approximately 60,448 sea cucumbers during a search operation in the coastal waters off Southbar, Mannar.

According to reports, the haul is suspected to have been smuggled illegally into the country. 

Naval personnel from SLNS Gajaba of the North Central Naval Command conducted the operation, arresting the suspects and confiscating the sea cucumbers.

In addition, the Navy seized 12 dinghies used in the illicit activity. The suspects, aged between 21 and 64, are residents of Mannar and Negombo.

The individuals, along with the stock of sea cucumbers and the seized dinghies, have been handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Mannar for legal action. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Navy has apprehended 36 individuals along with a haul of 1,750 sea cucumbers during a search operation conducted in the sea of Illuppukadawai, Mannar, on Monday (30).

According to the Navy, the search operation also led to the seizure of six (06) dinghies and diving gear used for this illegal act.

The operation was carried out by SLNS Buwaneka, of the North Central Naval Command.

During the search operation, naval personnel intercepted the 06 suspicious dinghies and discovered that the crew members were engaging in illegal night‑time diving to harvest sea cucumbers.

The suspects, aged between 22 and 59, were identified as residents of Illuppukadawai and Nachchikuda.

The suspects, along with the sea cucumbers, diving gear and the dinghies, have been handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Punakari for legal action. 

The Sri Lanka Navy has released the haul of sea cucumbers back into the ocean near the Nachchikuda jetty, with the intervention of the Kilinochchi Fisheries Inspector. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Navy has apprehended 13 individuals engaged in illegal night diving to harvest sea cucumbers during a search operation in the Walaipadu sea area of Kilinochchi on January 19, 2026.

The operation, carried out by SLNS Buwaneka of the North Central Naval Command, led to the seizure of 1,108 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, four dinghies, and diving equipment. 

The suspects were found actively engaged in the illicit activity at the time of the raid.

According to the Navy, the arrested individuals are residents of Mannar, Pallimune, Thottaveli, Southbar, and Eluthur, ranging in age from 29 to 67 years.

The suspects, along with the seized sea cucumbers, dinghies, and diving gear, have been handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Kilinochchi for further legal action.

This operation underscores the Navy’s continued efforts to curb illegal fishing and protect Sri Lanka’s marine resources. (Newswire)

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Five (05) suspects who had engaged in illegal night diving to harvest sea cucumbers were arrested during special operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy off the coast of Vankalai and Silawathurai in Mannar yesterday.

According to the Navy, the operation also resulted in the seizure of 1055 illegally harvested sea cucumbers.

The arrest was made as part of the Sri Lanka Navy’s regular search operations and patrols in the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to preventing illegal fishing practices.

During the search operation conducted in the Vankalai beach area, SLNS Pussadewa in the North Central Naval Command apprehended 03 individuals who had engaged in night diving to harvest sea cucumbers and also seized 604 illegally harvested sea cucumbers.

A similar operation carried out by SLNS Therapuththa in the Silawathurai beach area led to the apprehension of 02 persons with 451 illegally harvested sea cucumbers. 

The arrested suspects are residents of Vankalai and Silawathurai, aged between 28 and 68. 

The suspects together with sea cucumbers have been handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Mannar and Fisheries Inspector of Silawathura for further action. (Newswire)

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