Navy takes hold of 65 Water Gel sticks in Kayts and Ariyalai, Jaffna

Special search operations carried out by the Navy in the lagoon of Allappiddi, Kayts and beach area of Maniyanthottam, Ariyalai led to the recovery of 65 Water Gel sticks – a type of commercial explosive, 18 non electric detonators and 155cm long safety fuse on 04th and 05th July 2023.

The use of explosives for fishing poses a serious threat to marine life and can cause long-lasting damage to the marine ecosystems. Thus, the Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular operations to crack down on explosive fishing and other illegal fishing practices in the island waters. In a similar operation, SLNS Kanchadewa in the Northern Naval Command recovered a suspicious sack hidden away in shrubs in the lagoon area of Allappiddi on 04th July. During further search, naval personnel found 30 Water Gel sticks and 08 non electric detonators which were taken into naval custody.

In the same vein, SLNS Welusumana conducted a special operation in the beach area of Maniyanthottam on 05th July and searched a sack laying at the beach, on suspicion. Accordingly, 35 Water Gel sticks, 10 non electric detonators and 155cm long safety fuse which had been stuffed in the sack were taken into naval custody.

It is suspected that the explosive items have been hidden away with the intention of using them for illegal fishing activities later. The cache of explosives have been kept in the naval custody until they are handed over to authorities for onward legal action.