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Fishermen incident: Sri Lanka defends Navy’s conduct amid diplomatic protests from India

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Sri Lanka has defended its Navy’s actions following strong protests from India over a recent incident in which the Navy opened fire during the apprehension of Indian fishermen near Delft Island.

Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Sampath Thuyacontha, emphasized that the Navy would continue to search vessels entering Sri Lankan waters in accordance with legal protocols, regardless of the vessel’s origin, to combat illegal activities.

The diplomatic tensions arose after India lodged an official protest on January 28, when 13 Indian fishermen were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy. Two fishermen were injured during the incident. India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed its concern by summoning Sri Lanka’s acting High Commissioner and raising the matter with Sri Lankan authorities.

In response, Thuyacontha explained that the Sri Lankan Navy conducts round-the-clock operations aimed at preventing illegal trafficking, human smuggling, illegal fishing, drug smuggling, and weapons smuggling in Sri Lankan waters. He reiterated that the Navy’s searches are conducted legally and that confrontations would not occur if parties allowed the Navy to perform its duties without resistance.

“We have to search any vessel entering Sri Lankan waters, irrespective of its country of origin. As a respected Navy, we are carrying out these searches legally. There will be no confrontation if parties permit us to conduct our searches,” Thuyacontha said, while also highlighting recent successes in intercepting illegal activities, including a significant drug haul.

Sri Lanka Navy Commander further clarified the specifics of the January 28 incident. During a special operation targeting Indian fishing boats poaching near Valvettithurai, Jaffna, a fishing vessel was seized after attempts to illegally fish in Sri Lankan waters. The Commander revealed that two Indian fishermen were injured due to an accidental discharge of a firearm when the fishermen resisted the Navy’s attempt to board their vessel and allegedly attempted to seize a firearm.

The Navy promptly provided first aid to the injured fishermen and transferred them to Jaffna Teaching Hospital for further treatment. The Commander emphasized that the Navy remains committed to maintaining the security of Sri Lankan waters and will continue to conduct its operations professionally in accordance with international regulations.

Sri Lanka has pledged to intensify efforts to prevent the use of its waters for illegal activities while maintaining its commitment to lawful and professional operations.

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