Australian authorities today deported 41 Sri Lankans who had illegally entered the country, Sri Lanka’s Immigration and Emigration authorities reported.
According to Mawbima, the group had been arrested by Australia’s Security Force after having illegally entered the country via sea.
They were placed at Christman Island following their detention and were deported to Sri Lanka today on a special flight.
The group which was deported via Australian flight ASY – 013 arrived at the Katunayake Airport at 09.40 am today.
The deported group consists of a majority of residents from Jaffna and Valachchenai, while it is reported that they had travelled to Australia in a multiday fishing trawler.
Three officials from the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka were present at the airport to receive the deported group who had been accompanied by a group of Australian Security Forces personnel.
The group was handed over to Sri Lankan Immigration and Emigration officials by the accompanying Australian Security Forces personnel.
They were questioned by the State Intelligence Service after which they were handed over to officials from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at the airport.
After being questioned by the CID, the group is expected to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court. (NewsWire)
