Navy thwarts illegal immigration attempt; 30 men arrested in Chilaw

• The man who provided them lodging was also among the arrested 

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

 
During a special operation carried out by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard in Samindugama, Chilaw, thirty persons have been arrested when they attempted to migrate to a foreign country illegally by sea.   

The Navy and Coast Guard, during a special operation in Samindugama yesterday managed to apprehend 14 individuals who were suspected to have attempted to illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea.   
The Navy said a man who provided lodging for those suspects was also among the arrested.   
During a further search, the Navy and Coast Guard arrested 15 more persons who were suspected to be attempting to illegally migrate from the island via sea routes.   

The suspects were identified as residents of Jaffna, Batticaloa, Mullaitivu and Puttalam areas.   
They were handed over to the Chilaw Police for onward legal action.   

Police said during questioning the suspects, it was revealed that they have no clue where they were planning to go.