Jan 31, Colombo: Sri Lanka police have arrested two people suspects of using illegal fishing methods that resulted in a mass killing of dolphins in the sea off the northwestern coastal belt of Kalpitiya - Kaandankuliya.

The arrested fishermen are suspected of using illegal nets for fishing and causing the deaths of about 42 dolphins.

Traditional fishermen have alleged that illegal fishing methods have been used by some resulting in the destruction of marine life.

According to the Head of Sri Lanka's National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, Sayuru Samarasundara, the dolphins were killed after they got tangled in the nets that are banned for use in the area.

Kalpitiya area where the killed dolphins were found is a popular tourist area and the seas are famous for dolphin and whale watching.

Sri Lanka's Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Sarath Kumara Gunaratne has said that his Ministry will not tolerate any illegal fishing methods in the area and will take stern actions against culprits to prevent such activity.