Status quo of the loss of Sri Lanka Navy senior sailor during operation to seize Indian poaching trawler on 25th June 2024

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation off Kankasanthurai, Jaffna in the wee hours of 25th June 2024, to seize an Indian fishing trawler poaching in Sri Lankan waters. During this operation, a senior sailor from the Navy Special Boat Squadron sustained critical injuries due to the aggressive manoeuvres of the Indian trawler, resisting its seizure. Unfortunately, the senior sailor succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna.

The seized Indian trawler (1) together with Indian fishermen (10) was brought to the Kankesanthurai Harbour and they were handed over to the Kankesanthurai Police for onward legal proceedings. The Kankasanthuraya Police has filed a ‘B’ report with the Mallakam Court in Jaffna, seeking prosecution of ten Indian fishermen. They face charges for; illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters, death of a naval person during the operation and for causing damage to naval property.

On 25th June, the Jaffna Magistrate conducted a post-mortem examination of the deceased senior sailor. The examination determined that the sailor's death was an accident, resulting from spinal code damage.

The body of the deceased senior sailor was handed over to the next of kin for last rites this morning (26th June). His funeral ceremony is scheduled to be held on 27th June 2024 in Ibbagamuwa with full honours of the Navy. Following the tragic loss of this senior sailor during active duty, the Commander of the Navy posthumously promoted him to the rate of Fleet Chief Petty Officer. The Navy has also ensured that all necessary arrangements have been made for his family to receive the appropriate compensations and allowances.

Today (26th June), the Magistrate of Mallakam Court conducted an on-site inspection at Kankasanthurai port. The inspection focused on the Indian fishing vessel detained by the Navy and the Navy's Fast Attack Craft, which was damaged during the operation. Meanwhile, the initial hearing for this incident is scheduled for 22nd July 2024, at the Mallakam Court, Jaffna.