(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – The Sri Lanka Navy has arrested four local fishermen on Thursday for allegedly engaging in illegal fishing practices using banned fishing nets.
Naval personnel attached to SLNS Therapuththa located in Silawathurai in the North Western Naval Command arrested 4 local fishermen who engaged in illegal fishing activities using monofilament nets in the sea area of Silawathurai yesterday (19).
The fishermen also did not possess valid permits required for fishing practices, the Navy said.
During the arrest the naval personnel also seized a dinghy, a monofilament net, 4 diving masks, 3 pairs of diving fins and a GPS unit.
The apprehended persons and belongings have been handed over to the Directorate of Fisheries, Mannar for further investigations.