The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, addressed the media today, providing details on the recent incident involving two Indian fishermen who sustained injuries when the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended an Indian fishing vessel near Kankesanthurai (KKS).
According to the Navy's initial investigation, the injuries were caused by the accidental discharge of a firearm during the boarding process.
Vice Admiral Banagoda explained that Sri Lankan naval personnel had boarded the Indian trawler after it failed to respond to repeated instructions to leave Sri Lankan waters. As the Navy personnel approached the pilothouse of the vessel, Indian nationals onboard allegedly surrounded the officers and attempted to disarm them. During the struggle, the firearm accidentally discharged, injuring two of the fishermen.
“The discharge of the weapon occurred at a lower angle, and the initial investigations confirm that it was accidental, considering the trajectory of the bullet,” Vice Admiral Banagoda clarified.
The injured fishermen were immediately provided with medical assistance following the incident. The Navy chief also confirmed that the situation was handled promptly to ensure their health and safety.
The incident has sparked a diplomatic response from India, which lodged a strong protest with Sri Lanka over the use of force during the apprehension of the 13 Indian fishermen. On January 28, the Sri Lankan Navy had detained the fishermen near Delft Island, located in the northern waters of the island.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Sri Lanka's acting High Commissioner to express their concerns, while the Indian High Commission in Colombo has raised the matter with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The situation remains under investigation, with both governments seeking to address the issue diplomatically.
