17 February 2020 12:01 am
Eleven Indian fishermen who were engaged in illegal fishing activities in Sri Lankan territorial waters were arrested by the Navy in the seas off Analathivu Island on Saturday.
The Navy said three trawlers belonging to the fishermen were also seized.
The fishermen were arrested during a special operation carried out by the Navy in order to prevent illegal fishing and various smuggling attempts.
They were engaged in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters when the arrest was made.
The arrested fishermen and the trawlers were escorted to SLNS Elara in the Northern Naval Command.
After a medical check-up, the Indian fishers would be handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries-Jaffna through the Department of Coastal Conservation for initiation of legal action.
The Navy said as a result of frequent patrols carried out by them for protecting the fish and marine resources belonging to Sri Lanka, illegal activities being carried out through sea routes have significantly reduced.