The tragic loss of our sailor should galvanize our nation
Indian poaching trawler’s aggressive maneuvering kills sailor, damages Dora: Navy
By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana and Romesh Madusanka – Wanni
A sailor sustained fatal wounds and a Navy Dora damaged due to the aggressive maneuvering of a poaching Indian bottom trawler during a pre-dawn operation by the Sri Lanka Navy to seize the intruding vessel in the seas off Delft Island in Jaffna yesterday, the Navy said.
Chief Petty Officer Ratnayake was positioned in the front of the Fast Attack Craft (FAC) that was on hot pursuit after an iron hulled Indian poaching vessel trying to flee Sri Lankan waters defying naval orders to surrender immediately.
The Navy FAC had soon managed to approach the foreign fishing boat from its tail and when the sailor was about to board the latter, the Indian trawler had aggressively maneuvered forcing its heavy iron bar of the trawling crane to crush the victim’s chest, the Navy said.
The pursuing FAC had soon brought the situation under control and taken the intruding vessel into custody along with its crew of 10 South Indian fishermen. The victim sailor who was to be rushed to the hospital had succumbed to his wounds prior to admission.
When contacted, Navy Spokesperson Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya told the Daily Mirror the death of a sailor in action had been reported as the first in the recent history of naval activities countering the Indian poaching issue.
Since January this year the SL Navy had seized 28 Indian trawlers engaged in illegal fish harvesting in Sri Lankan waters and 214 Indian fishermen.
The Naval Spokesman termed the operations of chasing away and tracking down Indian poaching vessels as ‘an act of life and death’ as the latter often resort to ‘aggressive maneuvering’ with the benefit of belief that the SL Navy never used its fire power to surrender civilian boats.
“Addressing the poaching issue is a matter between two countries, thus we have taken measures to inform the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka regarding the incident. The arrested fishermen had been handed over to the Myliddy Fisheries Inspector for further inquiries and necessary legal action.
The remains of the 40-year-old Chief Petty Officer Ratnayake, who was from Ibbagamuwa, Kurunegala will be handed over to the family following the post mortem at Kankesanthurai Hospital,” Captain Wickramasuriya said.
Colombo, June 26 (Daily Mirror)
Protecting Seas from Indian Poachers
The tragic loss of our sailor should galvanize our nation to demand stronger measures against illegal fishing activities by Indian trawlers.
Editorial
After years of nonsensical arguments and fuelling conspiracy theories over the Easter carnage by a group of Islamic fanatics inspired by Islamic State’s vicious ideology, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the head of Catholic Church in Colombo, warns against the proposed bridge between India and Sri Lanka, highlighting the potential damage to the small island nation. His points must be taken seriously, as the consequences of proceeding with these projects in alignment with India’s wishes and their business tycoons could be dire. The tragic incident reported yesterday serves as a stark warning: Indian fishermen are robbing Sri Lanka, dishonouring all written and verbal agreements.
The tragic incident off Kankesanthurai yesterday, which resulted in the death of a Sri Lankan Navy sailor and significant damage to a Fast Attack Craft (FAC), underscores the ongoing and unacceptable encroachment of Indian fishermen into Sri Lankan waters. The Navy’s confrontation with the Indian trawler, marked by aggressive manoeuvres from the latter, is a blunt reminder of the persistent threat to our territorial integrity and maritime resources.
Indian fishermen, their identities obscured, and the Navy sailor who sacrificed his life for Sri Lanka's territorial integrity [Photos: Sri Lanka Navy/ File]
The fallen sailor was a remarkable individual and a true hero. Known as a great swimmer and diver, he initially joined the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) as a chef. However, his dedication and exceptional skills soon led him to volunteer for the elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS), where he made significant contributions to the country. Trained abroad as a frogman, his expertise and bravery were unparalleled. He was a devoted family man, married with two children, aged 11 and 5 years. Hailing from Ibbagamuwa, his sacrifice is a profound loss to both his family and the nation.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and legal measures, Indian fishermen continue to intrude into Sri Lankan waters, exploiting our resources and endangering the lives of our naval personnel. This situation is not merely a matter of illegal fishing; it is a direct affront to our national sovereignty and the safety of those charged with defending it. The death of a Special Boat Squadron (SBS) sailor, who succumbed to his injuries after a valiant effort to protect our waters, is a painful testament to the gravity of this issue.
Historically, Sri Lanka has enjoyed a rich maritime heritage, with our waters playing a crucial role in sustaining local economies and communities. The persistent poaching by Indian fishermen threatens this heritage, undermining the livelihoods of Sri Lankan fishermen and depleting our marine resources. This is not a new phenomenon; it has its roots in the historical migration and settlement patterns in the region, but in modern times, it has escalated into a severe geopolitical and economic challenge.
The Sri Lankan Navy’s efforts to curb this illegal activity are commendable, given the extremely challenging conditions under which they operate. However, the regular encounters with aggressive Indian trawlers, often resulting in injuries to naval personnel and damage to naval assets, highlight the urgent need for a more robust and assertive response. The fact that 28 Indian poaching trawlers and 214 Indian fishermen have been apprehended this year alone is indicative of the scale of the problem.
Furthermore, it is disheartening to witness how many Sri Lankan politicians across mainstream political parties are placating India in a bid to win elections. This pathetic behaviour must be condemned and changed. Our leaders must show the courage to demand justice for the killing of our naval officer. If the situation were reversed, with an Indian sailor killed by Sri Lankans or any others in countries under India’s so-called “neighbourhood first policy,” India would undoubtedly react with significant outrage and immediate action. This incident must not be tolerated. It must serve as the pivotal moment to halt all illegal activities by Indian fishermen.
Moreover, it is crucial to reevaluate all projects that India has offered in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, as these often serve their vested interests rather than benefiting Sri Lanka. Our nation’s sovereignty and the welfare of our citizens must always come first.
The actions of these poachers are not only illegal but also deeply disrespectful to the sovereignty of Sri Lanka. The aggressive manoeuvres that caused the death of our sailor and the damage to our naval craft must be condemned in the strongest terms. It is imperative that the Indian government takes immediate and decisive action to prevent its fishermen from encroaching into our waters and ensures that those who do are held accountable.
International maritime law must be upheld to protect our territorial waters. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) clearly delineates maritime boundaries and the rights of coastal states over their territorial waters. Sri Lanka’s rights under these international laws must be respected and enforced.
The tragic loss of our sailor should galvanise our nation to demand stronger measures against illegal fishing activities by Indian trawlers. It is high time that we take a firm stand to protect our maritime sovereignty and ensure the safety and security of our naval personnel. The sacrifices of our sailors must not be in vain. We must honour their bravery by ensuring that our waters are safeguarded against any form of encroachment, now and in the future⍐.
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