Fifteen Sri Lankans were sent back to the island today, after Australian authorities arrested them for illegal migration via sea.
The group of Negombo residents, who are all males between the ages of 20 and 30, arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport today.
The group, who began their journey 19 days ago, were arrested by the Australian Coastguard when travelling in a multi day trawler and later detained on Christmas Island.
They were subsequently sent back to Sri Lanka.
They arrived at the BIA on board a special flight of the Australian Air Force, accompanied by a large group of officers of the Australian forces.
The group was handed over to officials of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, but was later transferred to the officers of the Criminal Investigations Department at the BIA.
The CID will produce the group before the Negombo Magistrates Court today, after recording statements from all 15 individuals.
