The commendation was made by Australia’s immigration and Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton. Addressing the media briefing in Colombo the Australian Minister said that the programme jointly launched by Sri Lanka and Australia against human smuggling has been very successful. This has resulted in a reduction of illegal migrants from Sri Lanka, he said.

He pointed out that their aim is to successfully continue with this programme with the cooperation of the Intelligence Unit, the Police and the Navy. Border security has been stepped up.

The Australian Minister made an appeal to Sri Lankans not to come to Australia after being duped by human smugglers. He said the lives of such persons will be in danger.

He revealed that in future Australia would provide a better opportunity for Lankans to arrive through legal means.