Civil Court Orders Sri Lankan Vessel Owner to Pay MVR 700K Fine for Illegal Fishing

The Civil Court has issued a verdict mandating the proprietor of a Sri Lankan vessel apprehended for illicit fishing within the Maldives Exclusive Economic Zone to remit a fine of MVR 700,000. 

Additionally, the court has authorised the state to confiscate the vessel along with all associated equipment and apparatus.

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Rendered yesterday, the court’s decision follows legal proceedings initiated by the state, seeking affirmation that Panambarage Sumudu Sampath Fernando, the owner of the vessel christened ‘Sudhisa Putha 2’, bears responsibility for the stipulated fine detailed in the penalty notice dispatched by the Fisheries Ministry on December 13, 2023.

The state initiated litigation subsequent to Fernando’s failure to settle the aforementioned fine within the designated timeframe.

During Monday’s proceedings, the court adjudicated that Fernando is obliged to remit the MVR 700,000 fine to the Fisheries Ministry and directed him to deposit the sum with the court within a 15-day period, commencing Monday.

Furthermore, the court acceded to the state’s plea for the seizure of the vessel and its contents.