The Sri Lanka Navy has arrested a group of Indian fishermen for illegally entering Sri Lankan territorial waters and engaging in unauthorised fishing activities, naval sources said.
The fishermen were apprehended in the early hours of Monday near the coastal waters off Delft Island during a routine naval patrol. According to officials, the group had crossed the maritime boundary in violation of Sri Lanka’s fisheries and territorial sea laws.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fishermen had departed from the Rameswaram fishing harbour in India before entering Sri Lankan waters. Ten Indian fishermen, along with their fishing vessel, were taken into custody during the operation.
Following their arrest, the fishermen and the seized vessel were brought to the Kankesanthurai naval base for further procedures. Authorities said the suspects are expected to be handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Legal action will be initiated thereafter, with the fishermen to be produced before the relevant court in accordance with Sri Lankan law.
Incidents involving Indian fishermen crossing into Sri Lankan waters have remained a recurring issue in the Palk Strait, often straining bilateral relations and raising concerns over illegal fishing and marine resource protection.
