Sri Lanka Navy intercepted a multiday fishing trawler bound for Australia in the seas off Negambo yesterday. The trawler had 09 Sri Lankan nationals onboard who had intended to enter Australia illegally, the Navy headquarters said.

Initial investigations carried out by the Navy revealed that more persons were to be taken onboard at different location for the illegal journey. The trawler was found by SLNS Fast Attack Craft with a large stock of food items, water bottles and personnel belongings of the passengers stacked inside.
The arrested persons and the trawler were handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.