Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekaran has called for an urgent investigation into the recent incident in the Kuchchaveli sea area, where a Navy shooting left a fisherman injured during an operation targeting illegal fishing.
The incident, which occurred on the 3rd of this month, involved a confrontation between the Sri Lanka Navy and a group allegedly engaged in illegal fishing activities. Tensions escalated when a scuffle broke out, leading to the discharge of a Navy firearm and injury to a 23-year-old individual. The wounded fisherman is currently receiving treatment at Trincomalee General Hospital.
Responding to the incident, Minister Chandrasekaran has instructed the Navy to conduct a full investigation and submit a detailed report as soon as possible. He emphasized that the findings of the report will guide the government’s next steps.
Commenting further, the Minister said that illegal fishing poses a significant threat to the country’s marine ecosystem and economy. “The income of the majority of law-abiding fishermen is being undermined by the actions of a few engaging in illegal methods,” he stated. “That is why we have directed the Navy to take necessary action to curb such practices.”
However, he also stressed the importance of proportionality and accountability, saying, “Illegal fishing is wrong. Shooting is also wrong. And fostering conditions where such incidents can occur is equally wrong.”
Minister Chandrasekaran assured that once the investigation is complete, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the findings, ensuring both justice and the protection of sustainable fishing practices in Sri Lankan waters.
