A fisherman was taken into custody yesterday (23) for illegally conducting seine net (Madel) fishing using tractor-mounted winches, authorities confirmed.
The suspect was apprehended by officers from the Kalutara District Fisheries Office while actively operating the equipment near the Kudawa Fisheries Harbour.
During the operation, officials also seized two tractors fitted with winches that were being used in the unlawful fishing activity. The arrested individual, who is a resident of Maggona, is expected to be presented before the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court for legal proceedings.
This arrest follows recent tensions within the fishing community over the government’s prohibition on using tractor-mounted winches for Madel fishing. Earlier this month, a group of fishermen staged a Satyagraha protest outside the Presidential Secretariat, urging authorities to lift the restriction.
The protest, which began on February 5, continued for nine days before it was called off after discussions between fishermen’s representatives and Anura Kumara Dissanayake on February 13. Authorities have not yet announced any changes to the existing ban, and enforcement actions remain ongoing.
Leave your comments
Login to post a comment
Post comment as a guest