All News

Navy thwarts major smuggling attempt: over 2000kg of Kendu leaves seized off Chilaw

The Sri Lanka Navy took hold of a massive consignment of smuggled Kendu leaves (over 2000kg) during a search operation conducted in the seas off Chilaw on 28 Apr 26. The operation also led to the interception of an Indian dhow with 04 Indian nationals as well as 03 local dinghies with 06 suspects in connection to this racket. ...

2026-05-01

Coordinated operation nabs smuggled turmeric cache in Puttalam

In a coordinated effort to dismantle smuggling networks, the Sri Lanka Navy, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) and the Puttalam Divisional Crime Detective Bureau, arrested a suspect (01) with a 994kg haul of smuggled dried turmeric on 29 Apr 26, in the Rathmalwatta area of Puttalam. ...

2026-04-30

INS NIREEKSHAK departs concluding her training visit

The Indian Navy Ship (INS) NIREEKSHAK which arrived in Sri Lanka on a formal training visit, departed the island on 28 Apr 26, on successful completion of intended programmes. The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the outgoing ship in keeping with naval traditions at the Port of Colombo....

2026-04-29

Navy apprehends 03 persons for illegal night diving and sea cucumber harvesting in Jaffna

Taking action against illegal fishing practices, the Sri Lanka Navy launched a search operation in the coastal area of Kudairippu, Jaffna, on 27 Apr 26. The operation netted 03 individuals engaged in night diving without the valid permits to harvest sea cucumbers....

2026-04-28

Marching into service: 373 Navy recruits pass out with pride in Boossa

The Sri Lanka Navy proudly welcomed 373 new recruits into its fold during a colourful passing out parade held at the main parade ground of SLNS Nipuna in Boossa, Galle, on 27 Apr 26. This latest cohort of the 263rd intake comprises 230 regular and 143 volunteer recruits who successfully completed their basic naval training. The ceremony was graced by the Director General Health Services, Rear Admiral Janaka Marambe, as the Chief Guest, at the invitation of the Commandant and Commanding Officer SLNS Nipuna, Captain Rasika Piyasena....

2026-04-28

Navy rushes injured fisherman ashore for emergency care

The Sri Lanka Navy underscored its dedication to maritime safety and humanitarian assistance by swiftly evacuating an injured fisherman and facilitating emergency transfer to medical care on 26 Apr 26. The fisherman was aboard a local multiday fishing trawler off the east coast and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo coordinated the retrieval of the fisherman....

2026-04-28

Navy takes hold of over 550kg of Kendu leaves in Negombo Lagoon

In another strike against smuggling, the Sri Lanka Navy seized a significant haul of over 550kg of Kendu leaves during a search operation conducted in the Negombo Lagoon on 22 Apr 26. The operation also led to the apprehension of 02 suspects and the dinghy (01) used to smuggle the illegal consignment....

2026-04-24

Navy seizes over 1,030kg of smuggled dried turmeric in Kalpitiya

In a coastal search operation in the Thillayadi beach area of Kalpitiya, the Sri Lanka Navy recovered a massive consignment of smuggled dried turmeric weighing about 1,038kg, on 22 Apr 26....

2026-04-23

Navy commander accesses Northwestern Naval Command operations and infrastructure

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, conducted an official two-day visit to the Northwestern Naval Command on 18 and 19 Apr 26, to assess the operational and administrative readiness of naval establishments and ongoing projects....

2026-04-23

INS NIREEKSHAK makes port call in Colombo

The Indian Navy Ship (INS) NIREEKSHAK arrived in Sri Lanka for Operational Turnaround (OTR) and a training visit on 21 Apr 26. The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship at the port of Colombo in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions. ...

2026-04-21

Navy takes hold of over 1,300kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in Kalpitiya

Based on intelligence information, the Sri Lanka Navy recovered a massive haul of over 1,300kg of smuggled Kendu leaves during a search operation conducted in the Kudawa area of Kalpitiya on 18 Apr 26....

2026-04-20

Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 concludes official goodwill visit to Sri Lanka

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 departed the island on 18 Apr 26, marking the successful completion of her official goodwill visit. The ship was accorded a formal farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions at the Port of Colombo. ...

2026-04-19

Sri Lanka and Indonesia celebrate rich maritime heritage with spectacular City Parade at Galle Face

In a vibrant display of maritime cooperation and shared naval traditions, the Sri Lanka Navy joined hands with the crew of the visiting Indonesian Navy sailing ship, ‘KRI BIMA SUCI - 945’, to host a colourful City Parade and Cultural Show at the Galle Face Green on 16 Apr 26....

2026-04-19

Navy continues crackdown on illegal fishing: 41 apprehended in fortnight-long search operations

In an effort to safeguard the nation’s marine resources, the Sri Lanka Navy, in collaboration with the Coast Guard and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, conducted a series of coordinated operations across island waters from 01 to 15 Apr 26. ...

2026-04-18

Navy seizes over 161kg heroin shipment in high-seas operation

Being a key frontline stakeholder in the national mission, 'A Nation United,' the Navy continues to maintain a vigilant maritime shield to eradicate the drug menace from society. During yet another successful operation on the high seas south of Sri Lanka, the Navy intercepted a local multi-day fishing trawler (01) and apprehended four suspects (04) in connection with the smuggling of a stock of suspected narcotics....

2026-04-18