Defence Ministry, during a media briefing, clarifies the situation regarding the arrest of
Indian fishermen engaged in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters
January 29, 2025
- The arrest was made to prevent the illegal fishing activities, as the fishermen had violated the country's sea borders and failed to comply with the Navy’s lawful orders
- Two Indian fishermen were injured due to the accidental discharge of a Navy personnel's firearm while they aggressively attempted to seize weapons and defied lawful orders during apprehension
A media briefing was held at the Ministry of Defence today (29 January) under the patronage of the Secretary of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyakontha (Retd) and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, to present the facts regarding the situation arising out of the arrest of Indian fishermen who were engaged in illegal fishing activities in Sri Lankan waters.
Northern Naval Command on Monday (January 27), observed a cluster of Indian fishing boats that had entered Sri Lankan waters off the Valvettithurai area of Jaffna and engaged in illegal fishing activities. A special operation was carried out by the Navy vessels of the Northern Naval Command to send away these fishing boats from Sri Lankan waters. 13 Indian fishermen aboard were taken into custody along with one Indian fishing boat that was conducting illegal fishing activities.
The Sri Lanka Navy boarding team was compelled to conduct noncompliance boarding as the Indian fishing boat continued to maneuver aggressively, without complying with the Navy’s lawful orders and its duty, during the process of taking the boat into custody.
On this occasion, the Indian fishermen have acted aggressively, maneuvering their fishing boat in a hostile manner and behaving confrontationally with the Navy. However, while boarding the fishing boat, in accordance with the authority vested in the Navy, the Indian fishermen, as an organized group, have attempted to assault naval personnel and made an attempt to snatch a firearm from a naval officer, endangering the lives of the naval personnel. In the process, an accidental fire has occurred, causing slight injuries to two Indian fishermen.
Following the incident, the Navy provided first aid to the two injured fishermen and promptly transferred them to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital for further treatment. The hospital has confirmed that their condition is stable. Meanwhile, the Navy has lodged a complaint with the Kankesanthurai Police regarding the incident.
The seized Indian fishing boat and remaining fishermen have been brought to the Kankasanthurai harbour on January 28 and they were handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for onward legal action.
Previously, there have been instances where fishermen have intruded into Sri Lankan waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone for poaching. The Defence Secretary and the Navy Commander stated that the Navy has apprehended them in such cases and handed them over to authorities for legal action.
The Defence Secretary and the Navy Commander further stated that the SL Navy conducts continuous operations aimed at securing the northern waters and protecting the livelihoods of the fishing community in the Northern Province, with a view to prevent illegal fishing activities.
The Sri Lanka Navy's Director General of Operations and the Director - Legal, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Niluka Kadurugamuwa, who serves as a Director General of the Ministry, and numerous representatives of media institutions also participated.
During this media briefing, responding to a question raised by a journalist, the Defense Secretary stated that the weapons inspection implemented by the Defence Ministry in accordance with government policies was successful and that one weapon per person would be issued based on the security assessment and intelligence reports.
