In the search operation mounted in seas east of Batticaloa this morning, SLNS Rathnadeepa intercepted a suspicious local multiday fishing trawler carrying 54 persons who were suspected to be attempting to illegally migrate from the island to Australia. Among the apprehended individuals were 52 males including 05 persons involved in this racket and 02 females. Along with the suspects, the fishing vessel used for this illegal act was also held by the Navy.

The suspects held in this operation are residents of Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Mullaitivu and Jaffna, aged 19 to 53. They will be handed over to the Trincomalee Harbour Police for onward legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Australian government does not sponsor such illegal immigrants, who are arrested and deported immediately. The Navy urges the public to avoid being convicted before the law by being caught in the trap of smugglers who mislead the innocent to earn fast buck. The Navy also warns the public that their lives could be in grave danger by attempting to make illegal immigration using unsafe vessels.

SL Navy