The Navy seized 05 Indian fishing boats and arrested 32 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, during a special operation conducted in the sea area north of Mannar.
They continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing boats, taking into account the impact of those practices on the livelihood of local fishermen.
As an extension of these operations, the North Central Naval Command spotted a cluster of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing, trespassing into Sri Lankan waters. In response, the Northern Naval Command deployed its craft, whereas North Central Naval Command deployed its Inshore Patrol Craft to drive away those Indian fishing boats poaching in the sea area north of Mannar. The compliant boarding made by naval personnel resulted in the seizure of 05 Indian boats and apprehension of 32 Indian fishermen who continued to engage in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
The Indian fishing boats (05), together with fishermen (32) aboard, were brought to the Talaimannar Pier and they will be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar for legal action.
Including the recent operation, the Navy has held 18 Indian fishing boats and apprehended 131 Indian fishermen for poaching in Sri Lankan waters, thus far in 2025.
