Police on lookout for Africans

2 October 2013 10:16 pm

Police are on the lookout for a large number of Africans alleged to be overstaying in Sri Lanka, following arrests made in the Katunayake, Negombo and Seeduwa areas recently.

Many Malians, Cameroonians and Nigerians are believed to be overstaying with invalid, outdated visas.

Police noted that these operations were vital to minimise the rising number of crimes committed by Africans as reported in recent times.
Some had been arrested for allegedly cheating local businessmen of millions of rupees on vague promises.

Investigators have identified Negombo as an area where a large number of Africans were staying, where there is also a training centre which provided language and vocational training for them.  

Police further stated that African nationals currently in custody had engaged in money-laundering, printing of counterfeit notes, swindling businessmen by telling them they had won lotteries and promising that they could double their money.

In the meantime steps have been taken to deport them back to their countries; currently the Africans in custody are at the detention camp for illegal immigrants at Mirihana.(Supun Dias)