Suspect nabbed in Valaipadu, Kilinochchi with illegally harvested sea cucumbers

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended a suspect (1) and seized a small boat (1) carrying nearly 1,500 illegally harvested sea cucumbers during a search operation conducted in the Valaipadu lagoon, Kilinochchi, on 29 October 2026.

Naval personnel attached to SLNS Buwaneka in the North Central Naval Command intercepted the suspect boat in the lagoon area. A search of the boat revealed the consignment of sea cucumbers being transported ashore without valid permits.

The suspect apprehended in this operation was identified as a resident of Kiranchi, aged 35. The individual together with the dinghy and the seized catch were handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources office in Kilinochchi for onward legal action.