SLNS Vijayabahu brought the critical fisherman of “Devon 5” to the Hambantota harbour this morning (01st July 2024). Upon arrival, he was rushed to the General Hospital, Hambantota for medical attention.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo coordinated the retrieval of 02 critically ill fishermen on the multi-day fishing trawler “Devon 5”, through the merchant ship ‘MV KOTA CAMIL’ this morning (30th June 2024). However, one of the two fishermen has tragically lost his life, while aboard the merchant ship. The remaining fisherman was transferred to SLNS Vijayabahu this evening (30th June), about 170 nautical miles (314 km) off Dondra.

Separate search operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the sea area of Mudalappai and land area of Norochcholai on 28th June 2024 led to the recovery of about 1713kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves.

In another successful operation of the Sri Lanka Navy, on receipt of information to Naval Intelligence, a local multi-day fishing trawler (01) carrying a large haul of narcotics, with 06 suspects aboard, was intercepted on the high seas about 120 (about 222 km) off Colombo on 24th June 2024. The operation, carried out by deploying SLNS Nandimithra, resulted in the seizure of more than 191kg of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (ICE), including their packaging. Meanwhile, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera arrived at the Dikovita Fisheries Harbour today (26th June) to inspect the consignment of narcotics brought ashore.

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters in the wee hours of today (25th June 2024). The operation led to the seizure of an Indian trawler (1) and apprehension of 10 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters off Kankasanthurai, Jaffna. In an unfortunate turn of events, a sailor from the Navy Special Boat Squadron sustained critical injuries due to the aggressive manoeuvres of an Indian trawler, resisting its seizure. Unfortunately, the sailor succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to the Teaching Hospital in Jaffna.

A search operation conducted by the Navy in coordination with the Police Narcotic Bureau in Wattala on 24th June 2024, led to the arrest of 03 suspects (02 males and 01 female) with about 200g of heroin and seizure of a three wheeler.

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the South Bar area of Mannar on 24th June 2024, resulted in the seizure of approximately 46kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves, suspected to have been smuggled into the country.

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters in the dark hours of 22nd and wee hours of 23rd June 2024. The operation led to the seizure of 03 Indian trawlers and apprehension of 22 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters off the Delft Island, Jaffna.

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Wellamundalama area of Kalpitiya on 22nd June 2024, resulted in the seizure of approximately 407kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves, suspected to have been smuggled into the country.

A coordinated operation conducted by the Navy, Coast Guard and Police in Kirinda of Tissamaharama in the dark hours of 20th June 2024 led to the arrest of 02 suspects, who were preparing over 104kg of local cannabis for transportation, and seizure of a cab.