June 30, Colombo (LNW): A wave of tragic incidents involving fishing boats has prompted the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources to launch a formal investigation into the causes of several recent capsizings in Sri Lankan waters.
Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage announced that a dedicated committee has been established to examine the circumstances surrounding the accidents and to recommend preventive measures aimed at safeguarding the country’s fishing community.
The decision follows a string of maritime accidents reported over the past three days, which have claimed the lives of at least five fishermen, with two others still unaccounted for. The incidents have raised alarm across coastal regions, with many calling for urgent improvements in maritime safety protocols.
In the most recent incident, a fishing vessel carrying six crew members capsized early this morning off Paravi Wella Beach in Tangalle. Four of the fishermen were rescued through the efforts of nearby boats, while search teams recovered the body of one missing crew member later in the afternoon. One fisherman remains missing, with rescue operations continuing under challenging sea conditions.
Yesterday, police confirmed that the bodies of two brothers—Nadun Kumara and Duminda Nadun Kumara—were found washed ashore at Bentota Beach. The pair, residents of Aluthgama, had been declared missing after their boat overturned in rough waters near Moragalla, Beruwala on June 28.
Additionally, a separate accident that occurred off the coast of Galle on June 27 resulted in the deaths of two more fishermen, whose bodies were recovered the following day. The vessel, which had departed from Dondra Fisheries Harbour with five men aboard, encountered severe weather conditions before capsizing. The remaining two crew members were successfully rescued.
Deputy Minister Gamage emphasised the urgent need to address these recurring incidents through a comprehensive review of safety practices, vessel readiness, and early warning systems. The newly appointed committee is expected to consult with the Navy, the Meteorological Department, and fishing community leaders to compile a detailed report.
