Three fishermen from Rameswaram arrested by Sri Lankan Navy; trawler impounded

In a fresh incident, Sri Lankan Navy personnel arrested three fishermen from Rameswaram in the early hours of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, and seized their trawler on charges of poaching.

According to information obtained by Rameswaram Fisheries Department officials, three men, identified as Rooban, Nagarajan and Prabhu, ventured into the sea to fish from the Rameswaram jetty on Tuesday. As they approached the Neduntheevu islet, a surveillance team from the Sri Lankan Navy captured the trio and took them to the Karai Nagar Naval Port in the island nation.

Fisheries Department officials said they distributed 415 tokens to fishermen on Monday, December 29, and the fishermen are expected to return to shore on Tuesday evening.

Vice President Jesu Raja, leader of a fishermen’s association, condemned the arrest, stating that persistent calls of Tamil Nadu fishermen were ignored. “Governments need to establish dialogue with Sri Lankan authorities at the highest level and bring a permanent solution, taking into account our livelihood,” he said.

In just under 15 days, 13 fishermen from this region were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy and three trawlers were seized. Fishermen cannot swim without their boats. Moreover, the courts in Sri Lanka impose heavy fines on fishermen, and fishermen have difficulty paying this fine.

“We are experiencing serious stress and a sense of insecurity prevails among the society,” Mr. Raja said, reiterating his appeal to the Union government.