The Sri Lanka Navy has foiled another attempt by a group of Sri Lankans to illegally travel to Australia via boat.
The Navy said that 54 persons have been detained following a raid that was conducted on a tip-off.
The special raid had been carried out in the Palaminmadu area in Batticaloa.
The suspects have been taken into custody by the Navy and will be handed over to the Batticaloa Police for further action.
Meanwhile, Police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said a significant increase has been noted in the number of Sri Lankans attempting to illegally travel to Australia.
He said a total of 399 people have been arrested thus far from the 1st of January 2022 until thus far.
SSP Thalduwa called on the public not to fall victim to human traffickers, adding that Australia was turning back asylum seekers.
A total of 99 Sri Lankans who had illegally travelled to Australia have been deported so far, he added.
The Police spokesman further warned that those arrested for such crimes can face a fine of between Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 200,000 or a prison term of between 06 months to five years. (NewsWire)