A delegation from the Australian Border Force led by the Commander Joint Agency Task Force Operation Sovereign Borders of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Rear Admiral Justin Jones called on Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera at the Navy Headquarters in Colombo yesterday (10).

During the ensuing discussion, they exchanged views on matters of bilateral importance, focusing on the efforts of the Sri Lanka Navy and Australian Border Force in stopping illegal people smuggling by boat to Australia as well as public awareness programmes being held in this regard. The cordial discussion drew to a close with an exchange of mementoes as a gesture of goodwill and cooperation.

In the joint media release issued by the Australian Border Force, Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Police, Commander of the Navy said people were still being lured to part with their hard earned savings and falsely believe that an illegal maritime journey will work. That was why educating communities on both the pitfalls as well as the legal pathway is vital to stemming the flow, he further added.

The Defence Adviser at the High Commission of Australia in Colombo, Captain Ian Cain, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy and Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Pradeep Rathnayake and a group of senior officers from the Navy Headquarters were also present on this occasion.

Source: SL Navy