SL arrests 325 Indian fishermen so far in 2025

Sri Lanka has arrested at least 328 Indian fishermen and seized 41 trawlers so far in 2025 for allegedly fishing in its waters, Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage said. He noted that operations to prevent “illegal fishing” have intensified, with the Navy, Fisheries Ministry, and Police jointly conducting the efforts. Such poaching not only threatens local fishermen’s livelihoods but also damages the marine environment. In the latest incident on November 10, 14 Indian fishermen were arrested and their boat seized near Analativu Island, Jaffna. The Palk Strait, a narrow waterway separating Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, is a rich fishing ground for both countries. Tensions often escalate, with Sri Lankan Navy sometimes firing at Indian fishermen or confiscating boats for entering territorial waters.