Sri Lankan boat owner fined MVR 400K for illegal fishing

The owner of a Sri Lankan vessel has been adjudicated to pay a fine of MVR 400,000 for unauthorized entry and illegal fishing within Maldivian maritime territory.

This case originated in 2022 when a Sri Lankan fishing boat encroached upon Maldivian waters. Records indicate that the fishing vessel was intercepted by the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) coast guard ship Huravee while engaging in illegal fishing activities approximately 79 nautical miles east of M. Muli island.

In September 2022, the prosecution, acting on behalf of the Ministry of Fisheries, initiated legal proceedings against the vessel's owner.

The prosecution sought a fine of MVR 400,000 from Ranjit Prekumara Silva and the forfeiture of his vessel.

The Ministry had previously issued fine notices to the owner; however, payment has not yet been rendered.

The Civil Court rendered its decision this week. The outcome report indicates that the defendant, the Sri Lankan national, failed to respond to the charges. The case was decided in absentia due to his non-appearance in court.

Judge Ali Abdullah ordered the defendant to remit the fine of MVR 400,000 within 14 days. However, the verdict stated that there was no legal basis to order the state to seize his vessel.

Historically, the Coast Guard has on multiple occasions detained Sri Lankan fishing boats found fishing in Maldivian waters. There have also been instances where Sri Lankan vessels have been discovered in Maldivian territory with distressed crew members.