The Sri Lanka Navy, in coordinated operations with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Excise Department, seized about 793kg of smuggled Kendu leaves and a dingy on 28 October 2025. The successful interdictions were the result of two separate search operations conducted on the Ippantivu Island, Kalpitiya and in the Maoya Lagoon, Negombo.

In separate operations conducted by the Navy from 21 to 24 Oct 25, six (06) individuals involved in illegal fishing activities were apprehended along with 04 dinghies in multiple locations.

Amidst unfavourable weather conditions, the multiday fishing trawler ‘Keshan Putha I’ capsized approximately 354 nautical miles (about 655km) off the coast of Hambantota. Responding promptly, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo coordinated the rescue of 04 fishermen from the distressed trawler. Acting on the directives, the Sri Lanka Navy promptly deployed SLNS Sindurala on 30 Oct 25 for the onward rescue mission.

The Navy took hold of approx. 956kg of smuggled Kendu leaves and a dinghy (01), during a search operation conducted in the coastal and sea area of Thudawa in Kalpitiya on 27 Oct 25.

With the coordination of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, the Sri Lanka Navy promptly brought ashore a critically ill crew member of the cargo vessel MV IYO, sailing in the Eastern seas off Trincomalee, and transferred him to the Trincomalee General Hospital for treatment on 26 Oct 25.

In a swift response to a distress call, the Sri Lanka Navy successfully rescued the crew of the Merchant Vessel (MV) INTEGRITY STAR, that was in distress due to failure in main engines approximately 100 nautical miles south of Sri Lanka and the crew was in a desperate situation. Meanwhile the rescued crew of the vessel was brought to the Port of Hambantota this morning (26 Oct).

In separate operations conducted by the Navy with the assistance of Police STF from 08 to 19 Oct 25, twenty-eight (28) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended along with 08 dinghies in multiple locations across the island.

The Navy took hold of approx. 1416kg of smuggled Kendu leaves, during a search operation conducted in the sea area of Thalawila in Kalpitiya on 21 Oct 25.

The Sri Lanka Navy rescued 03 Indian fishermen from a distressed fishing boat near Analathivu Island, Jaffna, due to a technical malfunction on 16 Oct 25.

Acting on credible information, the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended five (05) suspects along with a local multi-day fishing trawler during a search operation in the southern seas, on suspicion of smuggling narcotics.