KANKESANTHURAI — The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted an anti-poaching operation late yesterday evening, resulting in the seizure of an Indian fishing trawler and the arrest of nine Indian nationals for trespassing into Sri Lankan territorial waters.
The operation, which took place south of the Delft Island, was initiated following reports of a large-scale incursion by a fleet of foreign fishing vessels. According to naval officials, a significant number of Indian trawlers had crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) under the cover of the evening, engaging in unauthorized bottom trawling—a practice that remains a contentious issue due to its devastating impact on local marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of Sri Lankan fishing communities.
Responding to the encroachment, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed the Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Samudura to the coordinates where the illegal activity was reported. Upon arrival, the patrol team intercepted one trawler that was found to be deep within the country’s maritime jurisdiction. The nine fishermen on board were taken into custody without incident.
“The presence of these vessels in our waters is a persistent challenge,” a Navy spokesperson stated following the operation. “We remain committed to protecting the maritime sovereignty of Sri Lanka and safeguarding the resources that belong to our local fishing industry.”
The seized trawler, along with the nine detained individuals, was escorted to the Kankesanthurai (KKS) Harbour, arriving early this morning. Naval authorities confirmed that the detainees have since been handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) to facilitate further legal proceedings. They are expected to be produced before a local magistrate in the coming days.
Incidents involving Indian fishing vessels crossing the IMBL have been a recurring point of diplomatic tension between New Delhi and Colombo. Local fishermen in the Northern Province have long protested against the recurring incursions, citing the depletion of fish stocks and the destruction of their nets as primary grievances. While diplomatic talks between the two nations frequently address these maritime disputes, the issue remains a complex geopolitical challenge.
The Sri Lanka Navy has reaffirmed that it maintains a constant vigil in the Palk Strait and surrounding waters to deter illegal fishing activities. Further patrols are expected to be intensified in the coming days to ensure that foreign vessels adhere to international maritime law and respect the country’s sovereign waters.
The Ministry of Fisheries is currently processing the case, and officials have indicated that the seized vessel will remain in custody pending the outcome of the legal inquiry. No injuries were reported during the interdiction, and the detained fishermen are currently undergoing mandatory health screenings and initial questioning by authorities.
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