During search operations on Monday and Tuesday (2 and 3), the Sri Lanka Navy arrested 12 individuals involved in illegal fishing in the sea area of Nilaveli and the beach area of Punnayadi in Trincomalee. These activities included the use of unauthorised fishing nets and light coarse fishing techniques. Additionally, the operations resulted in the seizure of four dinghies and one traditional boat.
The search operations were conducted by Eastern Naval Command’s SLNS Vijayaba in the sea area of Nilaveli and SLNS Lankapatuna in the beach area of Punnayadi. During these search operations, Naval personnel searched suspicious fishing boats, leading to the arrest of these 12 individuals for their involvement in fishing with unauthorised nets and engaging in light coarse fishing.
The Navy also seized four dinghies, one traditional boat and fishing gear employed for these illegal acts.
The persons held in these operations were identified as residents of Nilaveli, Muthur and Erakkandi areas, who are from 17 to 51 years of age. The 12 individuals along with the seized items were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Verugal for onward legal action.
