The Sri Lanka Navy has arrested 32 Indian fishermen along with five Indian fishing boats for illegally entering and fishing in the northern waters of Mannar. The arrests were made during a special operation carried out by the North Central and Northern Naval Commands.
Local fishermen in Mannar had repeatedly complained that Indian fishermen were forcibly catching fish in Sri Lankan waters, intimidating local fishermen, and damaging their fishing nets. Acting on these reports, the Navy launched a targeted operation to apprehend the illegal fishing activities.
Following their arrest, the Indian fishermen and their boats were handed over to the Mannar Fisheries Inspectorate Office for further investigation and legal proceedings.
The Navy also confirmed that, between January and February 2025, a total of 18 Indian fishing vessels and 131 Indian fishermen engaged in illegal fishing activities have been apprehended by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard. Authorities are taking strict action to curb illegal fishing and protect the livelihoods of Sri Lankan fishermen.
