Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a search operation conducted in the Shanthipuram beach area in Mannar.
During a search operation conducted today (20), 7,990 sticks of water gel explosives were found in the possession of the suspects.
The total weight of the explosives was 998 kilos 750 grams and the explosives may have been concealed for illegal fishing, the Sri Lanka Navy said.
The arrested suspects are aged 54 and 57 and are residents of Shanthipuram and Wankale areas in Mannar.
Further investigations are being carried out by the Navy and the Mannar Police.