37 Chinese nationals arrested in Negombo deported under tight security

By T.K.G Kapila 

Colombo, May 5 (Daily Mirror) - A group of 37 Chinese nationals who had entered Sri Lanka on business visas and were allegedly hiding in a house in the Negombo area were deported late last night following their arrest by immigration authorities.

The suspects were taken into custody on April 21 by officers of the Special Investigation Unit of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, acting on intelligence received by the Inspector General of Immigration and Emigration. 

They were subsequently detained at the Welisara Detention Centre pending further action.

Officials revealed that the group comprised 31 men and six women. Following their arrest, Sri Lankan authorities informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Colombo. The Chinese government later confirmed that the individuals were wanted in China.

Arrangements were made for their deportation on May 4, with a special team of 11 Chinese immigration officials and a doctor arriving in Sri Lanka to facilitate the process.

Under heavy security provided by the Police Special Task Force, the detainees were escorted to Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake and deported to Kunming, China, on a China Eastern Airlines flight (MU-714) at 10:50 p.m.

Authorities said the operation was carried out following close coordination between Sri Lankan and Chinese officials.