Defence ministry clarifies over foreign ship anchored off Batticaloa coast

25 December 2021 12:35 pm - 7 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Ministry of Defence today denied reports on social media and some media outlets regarding alleged mining in the seas off the coast of Batticaloa by a ship anchored there.

In a recent Tweet, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam questioned authorities regarding a ship that had anchored off the coast of Batticaloa.

The Tweet said that sand is being dredged from the sea and that another ship is transporting sand according to local fishermen. “Government officials were turned away by uniformed men with weapons," he alleged.

The Defence ministry said in a statement that the barge had been anchored a few days ago due to facing an emergency following a fuel shortage during the ship’s expedition from UAE to Bangladesh.

The barge has been scheduled to set sail to its destination after refueling from the local shipping agent, Victory Agencies in Trincomalee.

Therefore, the general public is advised not to be misled by such false information, the ministry said.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)

Comments - 7

Amdon Saturday, 25 December 2021 01:57 PM

so if that's all that is then why is uniformed men with weapons patrolling it?

Terrence Saturday, 25 December 2021 02:59 PM

Maybe selling sand for Dollars on the pretext of re-fueling the barge which is an eyewash

Nomads Saturday, 25 December 2021 03:17 PM

Well the explanation given does not digest with what was been said by Govt. in relation to the reality of the series of incidents had taken place so far. Is it a gift from Santa?????

Lumbini Sunday, 26 December 2021 05:48 AM

Who is telling the truth?

Punchi Banda Sunday, 26 December 2021 09:28 AM

Sand to be sold to Singapore for reclaiming land from the sea. This is destroying the eco system.

treasure hunter Sunday, 26 December 2021 01:21 PM

tell them 500 kg blue saphires are not found in the ocean. they are found in sarath's undies..

Fishy Fishy Monday, 27 December 2021 07:41 AM

Nonsense, they have all come to hear the 'singing Fish'!!!

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Defence ministry clarifies over foreign ship anchored off Batticaloa coast

Comments - 7

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