The Navy has apprehended 55 people in separate operations targeting illegal fishing and suspected narcotics smuggling in coastal areas this month.

According to the Navy, 50 people were arrested for engaging in illegal fishing during operations conducted between October 2 and 17 in coastal areas of Trincomalee, Jaffna and Puttalam.

The operations, conducted by the Eastern, Northern and Northwestern Naval Commands, also resulted in the seizure of 33 dinghies, a canoe and a quantity of unauthorised fishing equipment.

The suspects, boats and equipment were handed over to officials of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for further legal action.

Meanwhile, five suspects were arrested along with a multi-day fishing trawler during a separate naval operation in the southern seas on October 13 over suspected narcotics smuggling.

The suspects and the trawler were handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigations and legal action.

by  J. Stanislas Pius

The centenary Perpetual Novena Holy Mass at the Shrine of St. Padre Pio in Athurugiriya was held on Sunday (18), presided over by Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.

The Mass, marking the 100th Perpetual Novena, was held at 6 p.m. with the participation of Colombo Regional Vicar Very Rev. Fr. Robinson Wijesinghe, Ven. Sevwanagala Samadhi Thero of the Athurugiriya Seewali Hermitage and members of the Catholic community.

The event was organised under the leadership of the priest in charge of the shrine, Rev. Fr. Harsha Rajakaruna.

Following the Mass, the Grotto of Our Lady of Perpetual Help within the shrine was blessed and opened.

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday called for the establishment of a special task force to protect Sri Lanka’s remaining tuskers, together with a dedicated wildlife hospital, and a rapid-response mechanism to treat injured elephants.

Speaking in Parliament, Premadasa said stronger wildlife protection and emergency treatment systems were needed to prevent further losses of the country’s iconic tuskers following the death of Kavanthissa.

He proposed that the task force include experienced Wildlife officers, including Chathura Gunaratne and the investigation team, led by ASP Rohan Olugala, who were involved in an arrest connected to the Kavanthissa incident.

Their expertise should be used to strengthen efforts to protect endangered elephants and combat crimes against them, he said.

Premadasa also proposed establishing a dedicated wildlife hospital, equipped to treat seriously injured wild animals, particularly elephants requiring specialised medical care. Modern diagnostic equipment, mobile laboratories, emergency treatment units and a rapid-response system should be provided, he said.

He pledged the Opposition’s support for securing foreign funding and other resources for such facilities and proposed bringing in foreign veterinary specialists for complex cases. He also called for greater cooperation between Wildlife authorities, universities and other relevant institutions.

Noting shortages of wildlife veterinarians and other trained personnel, Premadasa urged the government to strengthen staffing and medical facilities at the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

He further proposed that environmental organisations and civil society representatives be included in the expert committee appointed to investigate Kavanthissa’s death, saying their participation would enhance transparency and accountability.

The deaths of Kavanthissa, Bhathiya and Thekka Raja should be used to improve treatment protocols and emergency response systems, the Opposition Leader said.

Protecting Sri Lanka’s remaining tuskers required practical reforms, stronger veterinary capacity and coordinated action, rather than responding only after an elephant had died, Premadasa said.