Potential boat people apprehended

A group of Sri Lankans who were preparing to go by boat to Australia illegally were nabbed by the police in Negombo and Wellawatte  the police media unit said.  The police said that over 50 people were taken into custody following information received by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The would-be illegal immigrants were living in lodges and small hotels in Negombo and Wellawatte at the time of the arrest. Among the group were 40 males, 12 females and 6 children, the police said adding that they were residents of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Batticaloa.  The boat which was to be used by the would-be illegal immigrants was seized in Chilaw, the police media unit added. (Newsnow.lk)