Sri Lankan Navy Arrests 7 Indian Fishermen for Poaching in Northern Waters

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested seven Indian fishermen for allegedly poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters off Talaimannar in the Northern Province, local media reported on Tuesday.

According to the navy, the fishermen were apprehended on Monday night during a routine maritime patrol aimed at curbing illegal fishing activities.

This marks the second such incident in two days. On Sunday, eight Indian fishermen were also arrested and an Indian fishing boat was seized off the coast of Mannar, also in the Northern Province.

The navy confirmed that the arrested individuals and the seized boat have been handed over to local fisheries officials for further legal action.

It reiterated its commitment to carrying out regular patrols and enforcement operations to prevent unauthorized fishing by foreign vessels, emphasizing the negative impact such activities have on the livelihoods of Sri Lankan fishermen.