The Governor of the Northern Province, Hon. N. Vethanayahan, has urged the Navy to further intensify measures to curb the continued illegal fishing activities and practices of Indian fishermen, which are seriously affecting the livelihoods of fishermen in the Northern Province.
The Governor emphasized these concerns during a courtesy meeting with the newly appointed Northern Province Naval Commander, Rear Admiral M. D. K. Wijewardhane, held at the Governor’s Secretariat this evening (12 August 2026).
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon. Governor pointed out that the continued illegal fishing activities of Indian fishermen pose a serious threat to the livelihoods of fishermen in the Northern Province and the sustainable conservation of marine resources. He emphasized that, in particular, the use of illegal fishing methods is causing significant damage to marine ecosystems and adversely affecting the traditional fishing industry and livelihoods of local fishermen.
The Governor also noted that fishing activities using banned fishing gear and nets continue to take place in certain areas of the Northern Province. He requested the Northern Province Naval Commander to work in close coordination with the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and to strengthen and expedite law enforcement measures to curb such illegal activities.
The Governor stressed the need to further strengthen surveillance and security measures to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into the country by sea. He emphasized that the Navy should continue to take firm and decisive action against such illegal activities while ensuring the security of the northern maritime region.
Responding to the Governor’s concerns, the Commander of the Northern Province Navy, Rear Admiral M. D. K. Wijewardhane, assured that the Navy would continue to work with full commitment to safeguarding the people of the Northern Province, protecting marine resources, and curbing illegal activities in the region.
The meeting was also attended by the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, Sivapathasundaram Sathiyaseelan.
