Navy nabs 07 more would-be illegal immigrants in Talaimannar

Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 07 more individuals who were suspected to be attempting to illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea, during a search operation carried out in seas off Sand Banks, Talaimannar on 28th September 2022.

Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular search operations and patrols in the sea and coastal areas around the island with a view to suppressing illegal activities. During a special operation mounted by SLNS Thammanna in the North Central Naval Command on 28th September, a group of individuals remaining suspiciously at Sand Banks were approached and interrogated. Subsequently, the group of individuals who were suspected to be remaining there expecting the arrival of a boat to illegally migrate from the country were nabbed by the Navy. Among the apprehended persons were 02 females above 18 years of age and 05 individuals below 18 years of age.

The suspects held in the operation were identified as residents of Kilinochchi and they were handed over to the Talaimannar Police for onward legal proceedings.

For the purpose of making fast buck, human smugglers tend to organize this kind of unethical enterprise using unsafe craft. As such, Navy urges the public to refrain from risking their lives by engaging in perilous sea voyages and be victims before the law.