Sri Lanka's Navy Commander has announced that the death of a sailor from the Navy Special Boat Squadron, who succumbed to critical injuries inflicted by an Indian trawler, will be treated as a murder. A homicide investigation is underway.

The incident occurred during a special operation by the Northern Naval Command in the early hours of June 25th to expel Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters near Kankasanthurai. The operation led to the seizure of one Indian trawler and the apprehension of ten fishermen.

During the confrontation, a sailor, Priyantha Rathnayake, sustained critical injuries from the aggressive maneuvers of an Indian trawler resisting seizure. Rathnayake, 41, died after being admitted to the Teaching Hospital in Jaffna. A resident of Hippawwa Ibbagamuwa, Rathnayake joined the Navy in 2004 and was known for his skills as a diver. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.

Following the incident, discussions were held between Sri Lankan and Indian officials, with both sides highlighting the need for cooperation between their Fisheries Ministries to address ongoing disputes. So far this year, 214 Indian fishermen have been arrested for poaching in Sri Lankan waters, and 28 Indian fishing trawlers have been seized.