Eight individuals have been arrested for engaging in illegal fishing activities off the coast of Mullaitivu over the past two days, amid growing concern from local fishermen about the continued degradation of their livelihoods and marine resources in the region.
The arrests were made following a joint operation conducted by officers from the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources alongside representatives from the local Fishermen’s Association.
On the night of 6 April, two boats involved in illegal fishing were intercepted. The following morning (7 April), six individuals were arrested and produced before the Mullaitivu Magistrate’s Court. The judge ordered them to be remanded until 10 April 2025.
Another incident occurred on the night of 7 April, when authorities seized a vessel with approximately 450 kilograms of illegally caught fish. Two individuals were apprehended early on 8 April and brought before court later that day. They were ordered to be remanded until 16 April 2025.
Fishermen’s associations in the region have long raised alarm over the sharp increase in unauthorised and destructive fishing practices, including bottom trawling and the use of illegal nets, which they say is devastating the marine ecosystem and pushing local fishermen to economic collapse.
The arrested individuals are reportedly from outside the area, with allegations surfacing that some were backed by Sinhalese-based interests. Fisherfolk representatives allege that the owner of one of the seized boats arrived from the South and issued threats to local fishermen while recording video footage of them—an incident that has heightened tensions.
“We are calling on everyone to cooperate to control these illegal activities taking place in our Mullaitivu sea and improve our livelihoods,” said one representative.
Local fishers have demanded sustained and stringent action from the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, stating that while recent enforcement measures are welcome, continuous monitoring is essential to protect marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities in Mullaitivu.
The coastal region, already heavily militarised and economically marginalised in the years following the end of the armed conflict, has seen repeated episodes of illegal incursions by external fishing operators, particularly Sinhalese, leading to sharp resentment and local unrest.
