Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell says he expects there to be a major humanitarian aid announcement as Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil is in Sri Lanka attempting to “counter the people smuggling trade”.

“We are obviously talking tens of millions in funding to be announced here,” he told Sky News Australia.

Mr Clennell said this will be done in the hope of addressing Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, which is “perceived to be encouraging people to get on boats”.

“And it is about encouraging the Sri Lankan government to act on the people smugglers and to stop the boats leaving to save lives at sea,” he said.