Statement from Ministry Defence
Ministry of Defence denied the circulation of false details published on social media and certain media regarding alleged mining in the seas off the coast of Batticaloa by a barge that had been anchored a few days ago due to facing an emergency following a fuel shortage during the ship’s expedition from UAE to Bangladesh.
The barge has been scheduled to sail to its destination after refueling from the local shipping agent, VictoryAgencies in Trincomalee.
Therefore, the general public is advised not to be misled by such false information.
This ship has been anchored off the coast of Batticaloa for over a week now. Sand is being dredged from the sea and another ship is transporting sand at night according to locals fisherman. Govt officials were turned away by Uniformed men with weapons. Who can provide Answers ? pic.twitter.com/V4UQvIEahu
— Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam (@ShanakiyanR) December 21, 2021