Jaffna:Sri Lanka: A special media briefing was held at the Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters to discuss successful counter-narcotics operations as part of the Government’s ‘Ratama Ekata’ programme, designed to enhance national security and combat drug trafficking.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the briefing was chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando. The briefing provided updates on ongoing naval operations by the Sri Lanka Navy, highlighting efforts in the maritime regions surrounding the island.

During the operations, a significant search conducted along the coastal and adjacent maritime areas of Madagal and Kusumanthurai in Jaffna led to the seizure of a dinghy carrying around 81 kg of narcotics, including crystal methamphetamine and heroin, and the apprehension of a suspect.

The Sri Lanka Navy, alongside the Coast Guard, Armed Forces, Police, Police Narcotics Bureau, and Police Special Task Force, has intensified its efforts against drug trafficking. These coordinated operations involve intelligence sharing between local and foreign agencies, covering both land and maritime areas.

In the year 2026, the Navy has seized a foreign vessel and 53 local vessels used for narcotics transportation, including the latest seizure. The narcotics confiscated have a street value exceeding Rs. 55 billion. The Navy emphasized that these operations will continue relentlessly until drug trafficking is eradicated from the country.