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

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.

He further said that though Sri Lankan authorities had invited pilgrims from India to participate in the two-day Katchatheevu festival, such arrests caused mental agony. “We are unsure whether to accept the invitation and take part in the celebrations or stay back,” he said, adding that similar arrests had occurred last year close to the festival.

‘No legal help’

Following a recent court directive to release six trawlers, around 10 fishermen from Rameswaram travelled to Sri Lanka a few days ago, hoping to retrieve their boats. However, while they were waiting in the court hall, officials reportedly stated the boat owners would also be booked as accused under poaching charges. Shocked, the fishermen leaders and boat owners returned home empty-handed two days ago.

Narrating the ordeal, Mr. Raja said intervention by the Union government was the only way to achieve a permanent solution.

A boat owner further alleged that advocates in Sri Lanka were unwilling to represent them in court. “As a result, we were unable to obtain any legal relief. Only when the Union government directs officials at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka will matters move in our favour,” he said.