Operation News
Forty-three (43) persons apprehended for engaging in illegal fishing

In a series of search operations conducted by the Navy with the assistance of Fisheries Inspectors from 25 Mar to 07 Apr 25, forty-three (43) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended. The operations were conducted in Palameenmadu, Vankalai, Mandativu, Irakkandi, Ullankali, Valachchanei, Urani Lagoon, Oluthudai, Kadeikadu, Chundikulam, Nawakkadu Lagoon, Vavunativu Lagoon and coastal and beach areas of Valeipadu. The individuals were caught engaging in practices such as illegal night diving, illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers, fishing with explosives and use of unauthorized fishing nets.
11 Apr 2025
Navy collars 05 suspects with 2554kg of Kendu leaves in Negombo and Mawanella

In coordinated efforts, the Sri Lanka Navy, along with the Negombo Excise Department and the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB), carried out separate raids in Kochchikade and Mawanella areas on 10 Apr 25. The operations led to the confiscation of around 2,554 kg of smuggled Kendu leaves, along with 02 lorries and 01 van used to transport those smuggled items. The Navy also apprehended five individuals in connection to these incidents.
11 Apr 2025
A suspect apprehended with over 1142kg of smuggled dried turmeric in Norochcholai

A special search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Daluwa area of Norochcholai on 10 Apr 25 resulted in the interception of a cab, while smuggling about 1142kg and 700g of dried turmeric. The operation also led to the apprehension of a suspect in connection to this smuggling act.
11 Apr 2025
Two suspects with Kerala cannabis valued over Rs. 82 million arrested in Pitipana, Negombo

A coordinated operation conducted by the Navy and Police on 09 Apr 25 in Pitipana, Negombo and Keselwatta, Colombo led to the interception of a lorry and a car for smuggling about 205kg and 958g of Kerala cannabis and arrest of 02 suspects.
10 Apr 2025
Kerala cannabis valued over Rs. 121 million seized with a suspect in Kilinochchi

A coordinated operation conducted by the Navy and Police STF in the sea and beach areas of Uduththurei, Kilinochchi on 08 Apr 25 resulted in the seizure of about 304kg and 600g of Kerala cannabis. The operation also led to the arrest of a suspect (01) and a dinghy (01) in connection to the smuggling racket.
08 Apr 2025
Navy intercepts local fishing trawler smuggling massive haul of methamphetamine and heroin, with 07 suspects

Acting on credible information, the Sri Lanka Navy launched a special operation on the high seas on the morning of 05 Apr 25, apprehending seven (07) suspects along with a local multi-day fishing trawler, believed to be involved in smuggling of narcotics. Subsequently, the intercepted trawler was brought to Dikkowita Harbour, where a thorough inspection was carried out with the assistance of Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) experts, leading to uncover approximately 191kg and 752g of heroin and 671kg and 452g of methamphetamine (ice). The consignment which had been meticulously hidden in the trawler, was handed over to the PNB for onward legal action.
06 Apr 2025
Navy apprehends suspect with 1287kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in Kalpitiya

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Mampuri area, Kalpitiya in the wee hours of 04 Apr 25 led to the apprehension of a suspect (01) attempting to smuggle approximately 1,287 kg of Kendu leaves by a lorry.
05 Apr 2025
Navy collars 02 suspects with 675kg of Kendu leaves in Kalpitiya

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the sea area of Paramunai, Kalpitiya on the night of 01 Apr 25, led to the interception of a dinghy (01) and apprehension of two (02) suspects, while smuggling about 675kg of Kendu leaves.
02 Apr 2025
A suspect arrested with 3000 foreign fags in Puttalam

A coordinated search conducted by the Navy and Police in Puttalam on 30 Mar 25 led to the arrest of a suspect (01) with 3000 foreign cigarettes, whilst preparing for sale.
01 Apr 2025
Navy renders assistance to bring ashore crew member of merchant vessel for medical attention

In a swift rescue mission, the Sri Lanka Navy on 30 Mar 25 evacuated an injured Chinese national from a Merchant Vessel off the southern coast and rushed him to the hospital for treatment. The individual, who had been in need of medical attention following an accident, was aboard the MV AE Neptune, sailing about 63 nautical miles (116 km) from Galle. The operation was coordinated by Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo with the assistance of the Navy.
30 Mar 2025