The Navy apprehended 04 suspects with a stock of smuggled Kendu leaves weighing about 551kg (wet weight) during a search operation conducted off the Mattathivu island in Kalpitiya lagoon on 11th August 2023. The operation also led to the seizure of 02 dinghies used to smuggle the contraband items.

In a dramatic operation, the Sri Lanka Navy rescued 07 fishermen, who were on a local fishing trawler which caught fire about 58 nautical miles (approx. 107km) off the Galle Lighthouse, west of Sri Lanka, on 11th August 2023.

The Chair of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) Hon. Lasantha Alagiyawanna, State Minister instructed the Civil Security Department to prepare a program of action.