Counter Human Smugling

Navy thwarts illegal migration attempt, 07 individuals including 02 facilitators held in Talaimannar

A naval patrol conducted in the Urumalei area, Talaimannar in the dark hours of 02nd June 2024 led to the apprehension of 05 Sri Lankan nationals, believed to have attempted to enter into the island by illegal means. The Navy also held 02 individuals who facilitated this illegal act, in this operation

03 Jun 2024

14 Sri Lankans attempted to illegally enter Réunion Island of France via sea repatriated to Sri Lanka by air

Authorities of the Réunion Island of France repatriated 14 Sri Lankan nationals to Sri Lanka by air on 22nd December 2023. Reportedly, the group of Sri Lankans was apprehended as they were attempting to migrate to the Réunion Island illegally by sea.

25 Dec 2023

Navy apprehends 04 persons suspected of involvement in human smuggling in Talaimannar

The Sri Lanka Navy took hold of 02 dinghies and 04 individuals aboard, suspected of their involvement in human smuggling, during a search carried out in Sand Dunes 3, Talaimannar on 21st October 2023.

23 Oct 2023

Forty – one (41) illegal immigrants held by Australian Border Force deported back to Sri Lanka

The Australian Border Force on 02nd May 2023 held 41 Sri Lankan nationals at the Australia’s maritime border, while they were attempting to illegally migrate to Australia via sea. A special flight, carrying the group of 41 Sri Lankans deported by Australian authorities, arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on 09th May 2023.

10 May 2023

Navy foils illegal immigration attempt and apprehends 06 persons in Mannar

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 06 persons suspected of illegal immigration to a foreign country via sea. The apprehension was made during a search operation conducted off Erukkalampiddi, Mannar on 05th May 2023. The operation also led to the seizure of a dinghy used for this illegal act.

06 May 2023

23 Sri Lankan nationals strayed into Vietnam waters deported to Sri Lanka

A Vietnamese-flagged fishing vessel carrying 303 Sri Lankan nationals was reported to be in distress in Vietnam Seas on 07th November 2022. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo stationed at the Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters promptly coordinated the rescue of this group of people whom were temporarily settled in Vietnam upon rescuing. Among the rescued Sri Lankans, 151 were deported from Vietnam and they arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake on 28th December 2022. In the same vein, 23 more Sri Lankans whom were deported subsequently arrived in Katunayake on 19th April.

21 Apr 2023

Navy seizes multiday fishing trawler suspected of involvement in human smuggling in eastern seas

The Sri Lanka Navy took hold of a multiday fishing trawler, suspected of involvement in human smuggling, in the wee hours of 12th March 2023. The apprehension was made in the eastern seas off Nilaveli, Trincomalee and the Navy also nabbed 03 suspects aboard in this operation.

13 Mar 2023

38 Sri Lankans attempted to illegally enter Réunion Island of France via sea repatriated to Sri Lanka by air

Authorities of the Réunion Island of France repatriated 38 Sri Lankan nationals to Sri Lanka by air on the evening of 25th January 2023. Reportedly, the group of Sri Lankans was apprehended as they were attempting to migrate to the Réunion Island illegally via sea.

26 Jan 2023

Navy apprehends 20 would-be illegal immigrants off Trincomalee

Sri Lanka Navy took hold of a local multi-day fishing trawler carrying 20 would-be illegal immigrants to a foreign country, during a special operation conducted in the seas east of the Foul Point, Trincomalee in the wee hours of 05th December 2022.

05 Dec 2022

45 would-be illegal immigrants held in Habaraduwa

During a coordinated search operation carried out by the Navy and Police in the beach area of Habaraduwa, Galle today (23rd October 2022) 45 would-be illegal immigrants were apprehended, whilst they were remaining in a lodge in the area.

23 Oct 2022