36 asylum seekers released; five remanded

Five asylum seekers were remanded till July 14 on charges of people smuggling, while nine children were released with no charge and 27 released on a cash bail of Rs.5,000 and a surety bail of Rs.100,000 each when they were produced in the Galle Magistrate’s Court.

Police said the asylum seekers were among those who were caught attempting to enter Australia illegally and handed over to the Sri Lankan Navy by the Australian authorities on Sunday. (D.G. Sugathapala)