The Sri Lanka Navy has confirmed that two Indian fishermen sustained injuries due to an unintentional discharge of a firearm by a naval officer during the seizure of an Indian fishing vessel in Sri Lankan waters.
Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda stated that preliminary investigations revealed the incident occurred while naval personnel were conducting an operation against illegal fishing off Valvettithurai, Jaffna, in the early hours of January 27, 2025.
During the operation, the Sri Lanka Navy signaled Indian fishing vessels to leave Sri Lankan waters. While most complied, one vessel continued to operate illegally. When two naval officers boarded the vessel, an altercation ensued, during which a firearm was accidentally discharged, causing minor injuries to two individuals. The injured were promptly given medical treatment.
India Lodges Strong Protest
Following a separate incident on January 28 near Delft Island, where Sri Lankan naval personnel reportedly fired at 13 Indian fishermen, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Sri Lanka’s Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi to lodge a strong protest. Two fishermen sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, while three others suffered minor injuries.
The Indian High Commission in Colombo has also raised the matter with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indian government emphasized the need for a humane approach to issues involving fishermen, asserting that the use of force is unacceptable under any circumstances.
Sri Lanka Responds
The Sri Lankan Navy reiterated that the firearm discharge was accidental and not an intentional act of aggression. Defense Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha affirmed that all inspections of unauthorized vessels are conducted lawfully and in accordance with regulations.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Fisheries stressed the need for discussions to resolve the recurring issue of Indian fishermen entering Sri Lankan waters, stating that while diplomatic dialogue is preferred, the exploitation of Sri Lanka’s marine resources cannot be tolerated.
