News
Maldivian Coast Guard, acts on SLN tip-off, intercepts SL fishing craft with haul of narcotics
By Norman Palihawadane
The Maldivian Coast Guard, acting on intelligence provided by the Lankan Navy, successfully intercepted a Sri Lankan fishing trawler on Saturday (23), which was found carrying a significant haul of illegal drugs.
The operation, which took place in the Maldivian waters, resulted in the seizure of 344 kilos of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as “Ice”) and approximately 124 kilos of cocaine.
According to a statement from the Sri Lanka Navy, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo was alerted by the Maldivian Coast Guard’s MRCC in the early hours of 23 Nov. The Maldivian authorities reported that the Sri Lankan multi-day fishing trawler, named ‘Ashen Putha,’ had entered the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), prompting concerns that it might be experiencing mechanical issues or in distress.
Upon receiving the alert, the Sri Lanka Navy reviewed its records on the trawler and, based on available intelligence, discovered it had possible links to drug trafficking activities. The Sri Lankan Navy immediately shared this information with the Maldivian Coast Guard to facilitate a coordinated response.
In response, the Maldivian Coast Guard launched a special search operation targeting the vessel. The operation uncovered the large drug shipment hidden aboard the trawler, leading to the seizure of the narcotics. Five individuals aboard the trawler were arrested during the operation. The suspects, aged between 21 and 37, are residents of Dondra and Trincomalee.
The Sri Lanka Navy said that the trawler, along with the five suspects and the seized drugs, was taken into custody by the Maldivian authorities. Both Sri Lankan and Maldivian intelligence agencies are now jointly investigating whether the drug consignment was intended for Sri Lanka or another country in the region.
Latest News
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.
In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused a significant rise in the water level of the Mahaweli River, washed large quantities of debris, including logs and bamboo, downstream. These remain lodged in the Diyakapanathota in Gatambe, Peradeniya and Lewella bridges, obstructing the smooth flow of water.
Acting promptly upon request, a Navy diving team executed a coordinated operation in collaboration with the Road Development Authority. The team removed the accumulated debris, restoring normal water flow through the bridges.
Latest News
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
Navy clears major bridge obstructions in Peradeniya and Lewella
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
Trump says US launched large-scale attacks on ISIL in Syria
Showers will occur in the Eastern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva and Central provinces and in Polonnaruwa district
PM says govt. will introduce a new Constitution to abolish executive presidency
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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