The Sri Lanka Navy today (20th May 2024) demonstrated remarkable efficiency in a rescue operation that saved a family of three from the clutches of a minor flood in Mundalama area of Puttalam, following inclement weather prevailing in the country.

The Navy nabbed 22 persons who were engaging in illegal fishing practices, during separate operations conducted in the sea areas of Nagar Kovil and Kudarappu, Kilinochchi and Adukkupadu, Trincomalee on 17th May 2024. The operations also led to the seizure of 07 dinghies, about 400 sea cucumbers and unauthorized fishing gear employed for these illegal acts.

In a search and rescue operation led by the Sri Lanka Navy, in coordination with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, 03 fishermen from a distressed local fishing vessel were rescued off the east coast of Sri Lanka, about 42 nautical miles (77km) off the Batticaloa Lighthouse on 17th May 2024. One (01) of the rescued individuals was transferred to Trincomalee by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard for medical attention, while the remaining two (02) were transferred to Valaichchenai by another fishing vessel that was in the vicinity.

The Navy nabbed 08 persons for engaging in illegal fishing practices, during separate operations conducted in the sea areas of Ambalanpokkanei, Mullaitivu and Poduwakattu, Trincomalee on 16th May 2024. The operations also led to the seizure of 03 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear employed for these illegal acts.

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Ippanthivu sea area, Kalpitiya on 15th May 2024, led to the recovery of approx. 338kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves, attempted to be smuggled into the country.

The Navy nabbed 29 persons for engaging in an assortment of illegal fishing practices, during separate operations conducted in the sea areas of Chundikulam and Kudarappu in Kilinochchi and Talpadu in Mannar on 15th May 2024. The operations also led to the seizure of 11 dinghies, about 210 sea cucumbers, diving equipment and unauthorized fishing gear.

A special search operation mounted by the Navy in Pandaraweli beach vicinity, Silawathura on 14th May 2024 led to the apprehension of 02 individuals who were in the process of preparing about 3500 illegally harvested sea cucumbers for transportation. Along with the stock of sea cucumbers, a cab used for this illegal act was also taken into the naval custody.

A coordinated operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police Special Task Force (STF) - Kalladi led to the arrest of a suspect and seizure of 1440 Pregabalin capsules and a car in Batticaloa on 11th May 2024.

A search operation carried out by the Navy and Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau, Puttalam in the Alankuda area of Kalpitiya on 11th May 2024 resulted in the arrest of an individual possessing antiques suspected to be gold.

Search operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard in Pesalai and Vankalapadu sea area of Mannar on 09th May 2024, led to the apprehension of 13 persons for illegal harvesting and transporting of sea cucumbers. The operations also resulted in the seizure of about 627 sea cucumbers, 07 trawlers and unauthorized fishing equipment.