Srilanka, Oct. 27 -- Search and rescue operations have been intensified to locate three fishermen who went missing at sea off Pudumathalan, Mullaitivu, after they failed to return from a fishing trip yesterday (26).

Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar has instructed relevant authorities to take urgent action to locate the missing fishermen.

The Minister has held discussions with the Ministry of Defence, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy and the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force to accelerate search operations.

The three fishermen left Pudumathalan aboard fishing boat No. MLT/1742 at around 7.30 a.m. on October 26, 2026. They have not returned since, the Ministry said in a statement.

The mis...