Forty one Sri Lankans who were arrested by the Australian security officers and kept in Christmas Island for illegal entry into Australia were deported to Sri Lanka. They arrived at the Katunayake airport yesterday (9) morning on a special Australian aircraft.
Majority of them are residents of Valachchenai and Jaffna and they traveled to Australia from multi-day fishing vessels. Three senior officials from the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka had also arrived at Katunayake airport to receive this group. A posse of Australian security officers accompanied them on board to Sri Lanka.The group was handed over to the Immigration Department officials by the Australian High Commission officials and Australian security officers. They were later handed over to the Katunayake Airport Criminal Investigation Department officials for further investigations.
They will be presented at the Negombo Magistrate’s Court after recording statements from the group.
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 – 01:00
