Operations News
Sixty - five (65) persons apprehended for engaging in illegal fishing

In separate operations conducted by the Navy from 09 to 22 Jul 25, sixty - five (65) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended in multiple locations across the island. The operations also made way for the seizure of 16 dinghies employed for these illegal practices.
26 Jul 2025
Relentless naval surveillance leads to seize smuggled Kendu leaves, agrochemicals and spices with 08 suspects

The Navy took hold of about 2399kg of smuggled Kendu leaves, 35kg of cardamom and a stock of agrochemicals, during separate operations in multiple locations of Kalpitiya, Silawathura and Uchchamunai areas from 20 to 22 Jul 25. The operations also led to the apprehension of 04 dinghies and 08 suspects in connection to the illegal activities.
24 Jul 2025
Navy seizes an Indian fishing boat poaching in island waters, north of Mannar

During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 21 Jul 25, the Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian fishing boat (01) and apprehended 04 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, north of Mannar.
22 Jul 2025
Ten (10) suspects with assortment of narcotic and tobacco products held during coordinated operations

In a series of coordinated operations from 05 to 19 July 2025, the Sri Lanka Navy, in collaboration with the Police, Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) and the Police Special Task Force, arrested 10 suspects. The joint search operations, conducted in Kadugannawa, Aladeniya, and Daulagala in Kandy, as well as Katunayake and Nilaveli areas, led to the seizure of an assortment of narcotic and tobacco products which included 10g and 40mg of methamphetamine, 11,860 foreign cigarettes, 264 prescription drugs, 33 bottles of foreign liquor, 5kg and 600g of kush and 104kg of Kerala cannabis.
21 Jul 2025
Navy nabs 02 suspects with smuggled pesticide and spices in Kalpitiya

A search operation mounted by the Navy on 17 Jul 25 in the Ippanthivu sea area, Kalpitiya led to the apprehension of 02 suspects with a stock of pesticide and spices, attempted to be smuggled. The operation also resulted in the seizure of a traditional boat used for this smuggling attempt.
21 Jul 2025
Navy takes hold of approx. 750kg of Kendu leaves in separate operations

Separate operations led by the Navy on 16 and 17 Jul 25 in Serakkuliya, Kalpitiya and Gangewadiya, Puttalam made way for the recovery of about 750kg of Kendu leaves and seizure of a dinghy.
20 Jul 2025
Suspect arrested with 2828kg of smuggled dried ginger in Norochcholai

A coordinated search operation by the Navy and Police in the Sanjeethawaththa area of Norochcholai on 19 Jul 25 led to the arrest of a suspect with about 2828kg of dried ginger, suspected to be smuggled.
20 Jul 2025
Tragedy averted: 3 fishermen rescued from distressed fishing trawler in western seas

Amid adverse weather conditions, three (03) fishermen were plucked to safety by the Sri Lanka Navy in a dedicated search and rescue (SAR) mission on 19 Jul 25. Their fishing trawler, battered by severe weather two nautical miles (4km) off Palliyawatta, Wattala, was located in a swift SAR operation. The survivors were brought ashore to Dikowita Harbour and handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) for onward action.
20 Jul 2025
Navy nabs 02 suspects with commercial explosives in Nilaveli

A search operation mounted by the Navy in the Red Rock beach area of Nilaveli, Trincomalee on 12 Jul 25 resulted in the apprehension of 02 suspects with commercial explosives and seizure of a motorbike.
17 Jul 2025
Over 1307kg haul of Kendu leaves seized during separate operations

Coordinated search operations conducted by the Navy with the Excise Department in the beach and sea areas of Puttalam and Kalpitiya from 30 Jun to 10 Jul 25 led to the seizure of approx. 1307kg of Kendu leaves smuggled into the island. The operations also resulted in the apprehension of 02 suspects and 02 dinghies in connection to the illegal acts.
14 Jul 2025