A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the beach area of Keerimundalam, Kalpitiya on 24th October 2023 led to the apprehension of a suspect with about 288 kg of smuggled Tendu leaves.

Based on intelligence information received from the State Intelligence Service, the Sri Lanka Navy mounted a special operation and intercepted a drug-carrying local multiday fishing trawler on high seas about 292 nautical miles (about 540 km) south of Dondra, by deploying SLNS Vijayabahu. The intercepted local multiday fishing trawler with over 219 kg (including packages) of heroin and 05 suspects aboard were escorted this morning (24th October 2023) to the port of Colombo. The Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of the Presidential Staff, Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, arrived at the port of Colombo this morning to personally inspect the seized consignment of narcotics.

The Sri Lanka Navy took hold of 02 dinghies and 04 individuals aboard, suspected of their involvement in human smuggling, during a search carried out in Sand Dunes 3, Talaimannar on 21st October 2023.

The Navy apprehended 05 persons who engaged in illegal fishing practices, during special operations conducted in the lagoon areas of Uchchamuni in Kalpitiya and Serakkuliya in Puttalam on 20th and 21st October 2023. The operations also led to the seizure of 02 dinghies, 740 sea cucumbers as well as diving equipment and unauthorized fishing gear.

Based on information derived from a coordinated intelligence operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police Narcotic Bureau, a drug-carrying local multiday fishing trawler was intercepted by SLCG Samudraraksha. The intercepted local multiday fishing trawler was escorted to the Dondra fisheries harbour, where the careful search with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, over 210 kg (including packages) of heroin and hashish were recovered from the trawler this morning (22nd October 2023). The special operation mounted about 91 nautical miles (about 168km) off west of Galle, also led to the apprehension of suspects aboard. The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, arrived at the Dondra fisheries harbour this morning to personally inspect the seized consignment of narcotics, which had been seized following his directives.

A special search operation carried out by the Navy at the Gurunagar Jetty, Jaffna this morning (17th October 2023) led to the recovery of over 01kg of TNT high explosives and 01ft and 03-inch-long safety fuse.

A special search operation mounted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the beach area of Urumalei, Talaimannar today (16th October 2023) led to the recovery of over 04kg of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE), about 01kg of heroin and over 05kg of hashish concealed in a dinghy.

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted special operations to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters in the evening of 14th October 2023. The separate operations led to the seizure of 05 Indian trawlers with 27 Indian nationals poaching in Sri Lankan waters off Mannar as well as near the Delft and Kachchativu Islands, Jaffna.

A special search operation mounted by the Navy in Kudawa beach area of Kalpitiya on 10th October 2023 led to the apprehension of 02 individuals who were in the process of preparing over 274kg of dried sea cucumbers for illegal transportation. Along with the stock of dried sea cucumber, believed to have been smuggled via sea, a cab used for this illegal act was also taken into the naval custody.

Following adverse weather conditions prevailing in several parts of the island, the Sri Lanka Navy has mobilized its flood relief teams in Matara, Akuressa, Thihagoda and Kamuburupitiya areas in the Southern Province as of 04th October 2023. With a view to observe the Navy’s commitment in providing assistance to the flood-affected individuals in those regions, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera visited the Matara district today 08th October.