Yesterday, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted special operations to deter Indian poaching trawlers from entering Sri Lankan waters. As a result, a total of 21 Indian fishermen were arrested. The operations were carried out by the North Central Naval Command and Northern Naval Command, utilizing Fast Attack Craft and Inshore Patrol Craft. Four Indian trawlers were seized, with 21 fishermen found engaged in illegal fishing off Mannar and Kovilan, Kankesanthurai. The North Central Naval Command detained one Indian trawler with eight fishermen near Mannar, while the Northern Naval Command apprehended three trawlers with 13 fishermen near Kovilan, Kankesanthurai. The arrested fishermen and seized trawlers were taken to the Talaimannar Pier and Kankesanthurai harbour, where they will be handed over to the Talaimannar and Jaffna Fisheries Inspectors for further legal action. It is worth noting that in 2023 alone, the Navy has already seized 31 Indian poaching trawlers and apprehended 195 Indian fishermen, all of whom have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for legal proceedings.
