Navy recovers 28 Water Gel Sticks from Kolombuthurei beach, Jaffna

A search operation conducted by the Navy in Kolombuthurei beach, Jaffna led to the recovery of 28 Water Gel Sticks - a type of commercial explosive on 17th March 2023.

The Navy stays ever alert and conducts regular search operations to prevent illegal fishing practices carried out using explosives; as such activities deal a heavy blow to the marine ecosystem. In a similar effort, SLNS Welusumana in the Northern Naval Command made this recovery, during a search carried out in Kolombuthurei beach. The 28 Water Gel Sticks had been concealed in a shrub, covered in a sack. Accordingly, the items were taken into naval custody.

It is believed that these explosive items have been hidden at the beach, to be used for illegal fishing. The Water Gel Sticks have been kept in naval custody until they are handed over to authorities for onward legal action.