Top Aussie border protection official in SL

Commander of the Australian Border Protection Command, Rear Admiral Michael Noonan is currently in Sri Lanka to discuss a range of maritime security issues, including people smuggling with the Sri Lankan authorities.

The visiting top official held discussion with Sri Lanka Navy Commander Jayantha Perera at the navy headquarters on Tuesday.

The Sri Lanka Navy said that attention was drawn to people smuggling and the counter measures implemented to thwart illegal maritime migration and the SAR operations conducted to save stranded people at sea.

“The Australian Border Protection Commander expressed his appreciation of the cooperation extended by Sri Lanka Navy for combating people smuggling ventures at the operational level and pledged his support for SLN’s continued efforts to prevent perilous journeys taking place from Sri Lankan shores,” the navy said after the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Australian High Commission in Colombo said that Rear Admiral Noonan, who arrived here on Tuesday met with newly-appointed members of Sri Lanka's defence leadership to discuss ongoing ‘cooperation across a range of maritime security issues, including people smuggling.’