Navy takes hold of 51 commercial explosive sticks in Ariyalai beach, Jaffna

A special search operation carried out by the Navy in the Ariyalai beach, Jaffna led to the recovery of 51 commercial explosive sticks on 29th July 2023.

The use of explosives for fishing poses a serious threat to marine life and can cause long-lasting damage to the marine ecosystems. Thus, the Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular operations to crack down on fishing using explosives and other illegal fishing practices in the island waters.

In a similar operation, SLNS Welusumana in the Northern Naval Command conducted a special operation in the beach area of Ariyalai on 29th July and recovered a suspicious sack concealed in nearby shrubs. The sack has been stuffed with 51 commercial explosive sticks, which were subsequently taken into naval custody.

It is suspected that the explosive items have been hidden away with the intention of using them for illegal fishing activities later. The cache of explosives has been kept in the naval custody until they are handed over to authorities for onward legal action.