Navy apprehends suspicious Iranian and two Sri Lankans

SL Navy apprehended suspicious Iranian and two Sri Lankans who were illegally sailing on a dinghy, during a patrol carried out in Silawathura sea area, on 17^th December 2019.

A suspicious dinghy which was sailing in the seas off Silawathura had been observed by the Navy during an operation conducted to prevent the illegal migrations and smuggling activities in Sri Lankan territorial waters, and accordingly the dinghy was searched.

An Iranian and a Sri Lankan was aboard the dinghy and on inquiry it was revealed that they were sailing without a valid permission. Therefore, the two persons and the dinghy were taken into Naval custody.

Meanwhile, by further search, a person appeared as the guide to the foreigner was identified by the Navy at the Silawathura beach and he was unable to produce a tourist guide license. Accordingly, he was also apprehended by the Navy.

The apprehended Iranian is 31 years old and the two Sri Lankans are residents of Negombo area aged 27 and 57.

The suspects and the dinghy were handed over to Silawathura Police for further investigation. SL Navy is vigilant to prevent the accidents which may occur during such unauthorized sailing on-board foreigners.