News
Navy arrests 26 suspects for illegal fishing
During a recent operation in the seas off Mullaitivu, the Navy apprehended 26 individuals engaged in illegal fishing. The operations, carried out on 13 and 14 June, led to the seizure of nine dinghies and diving gear used for illegal fishing.
The Navy routinely conducts operations in coastal areas across the island to combat illegal fishing practices. These activities pose a threat to the sustainability of the fish populations, undermine legitimate fishing industries, and harm the marine ecosystems. As part of these ongoing efforts, SLNS Lankapatuna, in the Eastern Naval Command, apprehended 11 individuals in the early hours of 13 June at Lankapatuna beach as they were returning from illegal night diving. Along with the individuals, the Navy also took into custody four dinghies and diving gear belonging to them.
Similarly, SLNS Gotabaya, also part of the Eastern Naval Command, apprehended 15 additional individuals, along with five dinghies and unauthorised fishing equipment, during a special operation in the sea area of Mullaitivu on the morning of 14 June.
These individuals were caught engaging in diving to catch fish, in violation of licensing conditions imposed to prevent illegal diving activities. They were identified as residents of Mannar, Kinniya, and China Bay, ranging in age from 24 to 56. The 11 individuals, four dinghies, and diving gear seized in Lankapatuna, were handed over to the Trincomalee Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, while the 15 individuals, along with five dinghies and fishing gear confiscated in Mullaitivu, were handed over to the Mullaitivu Assistant Directorate of Fisheries. These authorities will take appropriate legal action against the offenders.
A special search operation conducted by the Navy in the Mankuliya Lagoon of Negombo today (21st September 2023) led to the apprehension of a dinghy loaded with over 400kg of Kerala cannabis with an estimated street value of over Rs. 132 million
The seized consignment of Kerala cannabis and the dinghy were handed over to the Negombo Excise Station for onward legal action
Latest News
IMF MD and President Wickremesinghe focus on Financial Reforms and Debt Restructuring initiatives
In a crucial meeting held during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, met with President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, to discuss vital economic matters.
During the meeting, Ms. Georgieva and President Wickremesinghe delved into the ongoing financial sector reforms and the substantial progress made in debt restructuring initiatives. The IMF Managing Director commended the Sri Lankan government for its effective measures in curbing inflation and nurturing a conducive environment for business growth, as well as the flourishing tourism industry. She expressed her satisfaction with the government’s commitment to enhancing the overall economic landscape.
(PMD)
President Ranil Wickremesinghe invited President Ebrahim Raisi of the Islamic Republic of Iran to visit Sri Lanka and ceremonially open the Uma Oya Hydropower Station when they met on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York on Wednesday (20).
President Raisi accepted the invitation and also extended an invitation to President Wickremesinghe to visit Iran. Both leaders agreed that these high level visits would give impetus to further consolidate bilateral ties.
The two leaders recognized that as countries belonging to the same region there is potential for regional cooperation in a range of areas of mutual interest including as members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The prospects for cooperation in the agriculture sector, particularly introducing modern technology in which area Iran has considerable expertise, was also discussed.
(PMD)
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