Navy foils illegal migration attempt

Sri Lanka Navy in a special operation carried out in Kondachchikuda, Silawathura on Tuesday (6) has arrested 20 individuals who were preparing to migrate illegally from Sri Lanka to foreign countries by sea.

The apprehension was made by the Northwestern Naval Command, after having searched 4 suspicious three-wheelers at the Kondachchikuda roadblock in Silawathura.

Subsequent interrogation revealed that the 20 individuals in the three-wheelers were on their way to the Silawathura sea area with the intention of migrating to a foreign country via sea routes.

Following interrogation, the group and the 4 three-wheelers were taken into naval custody.

Among the apprehended individuals were 14 males, 4 females, a 13-year-old girl and one 16-year-old boy. The suspects were residents of Mullaitivu (9), Jaffna (4), Mannar (4) and one each from Walachchani, Wattala and Puttalam areas. The Navy also suspects that the person who planned the illegal migration attempt is among the group apprehended.

The group and the 4 three-wheelers in which they travelled were handed over to the Silawathura Police station for onward legal action.