73 boat people sent back to SL

18 Oct 2013 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Three boat arrivals were reported from Oct 11 to 18, Operation Sovereign Borders Commander Major General Angus Campbell said.

Last Friday, a boat carrying 79 people arrived at the Cocos (Keeling) Islands from Sri Lanka.

The Australian Associated Press said the Immigration Department determined none had presented reasons for coming to Australia which "required further consideration".

Some 73 had been returned to Sri Lanka and the remaining six would be returned as soon as they were deemed fit to fly.

Another 53 people from a second boat were moved to Christmas Island on Saturday, along with a further 41 from a third vessel that arrived on Thursday.

During the week, three crewmen were also transferred to Christmas Island.

Campbell said 53 were transferred to Australia's offshore processing centres -- 25 to Manus Island in Papua New Guinea and 28 to Nauru.

In the month since Operation Sovereign Borders began, 143 people had been transferred to Nauru and 312 to Manus.

As of Friday, there were 1,061 detainees on Manus, 827 on Nauru and 2,211 on Christmas Island.

"We continue to have sufficient offshore processing capacity to meet current and potential future requirements," Campbell said. (Bernama)

Breaking News

73 boat people sent back to SL

Most Popular Articles

Alleged mastermind behind Rs. 210 Billion illegal Dollar transfer network arrested

Sri Lankan Rupee appreciates further against US Dollar

Mahayaya Vinita Thera no longer a monk, probe underway

Sri Lankan monk among seven arrested in Boston prostitution sting, resigns from post

Sri Lanka find right combination in WI defeat

India ready for work once Sri Lanka green-lights project

Latest News

Sri Lanka out of Women’s T20 World Cup despite Ireland’s stunning victory over West Indies

Police tighten action against reckless driving to prevent fatal accidents

Dr. Chandika Epitakaduwa elected new GMOA president

Education Ministry ready to implement grade 6 reforms next year

Supreme Court conducts fully digital, paperless 735 Attorneys-at-Law oath ceremony