Sri Lankan Navy arrests 12 fishermen from Pamban, seizes one trawler

Sri Lankan Navy arrests 12 Pamban fishermen for poaching, seizing their trawler amid rising tensions ahead of a local festival.

In yet another incident in recent days, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested 12 fishermen from Pamban, besides impounding a mechanised trawler, on charges of poaching in the Palk Strait in the early hours of Monday (February 23, 2026).

Fishermen leaders expressed shock over the latest arrest and appealed to the Union government to intervene directly, as the issue concerns their livelihood.

According to Fisheries Department officials, the mechanised fishing boat, owned by David from Pamban, was seized along with the 12 fishermen on board. They were detained while fishing between the Katchatheevu and Mannar waters.

The fishermen ventured into the sea on February 22 and were expected to return to the shore around noon on February 23.

After preliminary interrogation, they were taken to the naval port at Talaimannar, officials added.

Condemning the arrest, fishermen leader Jesu Raja said only last week, 22 fishermen were arrested and four trawlers were impounded by the Sri Lankan Navy. “With just a few days left for the festival at St. Antony’s Church in Katchatheevu, such incidents have created disharmony among the fisherfolk,” he noted.