SL asylum seekers not welcome in NZ

11 July 2011 05:35 am - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key says 85 Sri Lankan asylum seekers who have been detained on their way to New Zealand are “not welcome”.

The asylum seekers were detained by Indonesian police and have been anchored in the waters of Tanjung Pinang since Saturday. They are reportedly refusing to abandon ship.

Passengers on board the ship have been photographed holding signs reading “We like to go to New Zealand”, “Our future life is in New Zealand” and “We need New Zealand”.

John Key said that he was aware of the asylum seekers’ situation, but that New Zealand would not be helping. “I understand that some of those asylum seekers are holding flags or signs that say they might want to come to New Zealand, and our very simple message to them is they are not welcome”.

They claim that they are not illegal immigrants but refugees who need New Zealand’s help, and have also requested the assistance of the United Nations. (threenews.com)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 12

lal Monday, 11 July 2011 05:56 AM

The conflict is over, there is peace in Sri Lanka now. The govt. should send a representative and welcome the people back with assrance of their safety. This will solve the problem and enhance the image of the nation.

Adam Brown Monday, 11 July 2011 06:07 AM

Asylum after 2 years of no war? and genuine refugees? wonder what they had in mind?

Nyala Monday, 11 July 2011 06:08 AM

Hold a board and seek asylum!!!

GreenBlood Monday, 11 July 2011 06:18 AM

please take them, it'll be a great help for Sri Lanka

Bumba Monday, 11 July 2011 06:19 AM

These are economic refugees, not political. It is because of the poor economic state of Sri Lanka.

Ari Monday, 11 July 2011 06:17 AM

The simple truth is they are in pursuit of greener pastures and not safety.

Lanka Monday, 11 July 2011 06:40 AM

Very Good !!!!!!!! Highly appreciate !!!!!!!!!

kit Monday, 11 July 2011 06:46 AM

He understand whats happening with UK and Canada. Their politicians have being bribe and they have become corrupt in their countries. Good move by New Zealand prime minister not to welcome those seekers. They are uneducated trouble makers and those peace loving people will have a horrid time with theses rascals.

simple sam Monday, 11 July 2011 08:44 AM

but we sri lankans dont want them either!!!

Dakuna Monday, 11 July 2011 08:47 AM

PM has understood the difference between genuine regugee and an economic refugee. Good on you sir!

lal Monday, 11 July 2011 12:33 PM

There are innocent little chidren amongst them. Lets be compassionate and show the world what the tripple gem means, and sinhala people are really like. Conflict is over, time to reconcile and take moral highground. Forget NZ, they are an isolated and culturally backward island.

gayan Monday, 11 July 2011 03:38 PM

Ship them off to UK or canada. They entertain these types of economic refuges for political/vote purposes.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

SL asylum seekers not welcome in NZ

Comments - 12

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Foreign powers intensify surveillance on Presidential elections as strategic interests take centre stage

New uterine loop for monkey birth control

Sajith avoids reception hosted for Iranian President

Do not be afraid to use weapons, Minister Alles tells police

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings