Twenty eight Sri Lankans from North and East and three helpers from the South had been taken to the custody today at the Mirissa harbour when attempting to sail to Australia on a multiday fishing trawler.  

They had been asked to pay Rs.800 000 for the illegal trip to Australia. Rs.100 000 was to be paid at the beginning of the journey while the balance was to be paid on reaching Australia.

Two vans were also taken into custody.

Seven members of one family and five children were among those arrested.