A group of 19 persons suspected of having attempted to migrate from the country illegally via the sea has been apprehended by the Sri Lanka Navy.
The illegal attempt was foiled through a special operation conducted by the Navy in the beach area of Chilaw this morning (09), while a van had also been taken into custody.
The Sri Lanka Navy said it has been conducting regular operations in coastal areas around the island to thwart all forms of illegal activities stemming from sea routes.
On a tip-off, the Navy launching a special operation, searched a spacious van in the estuary of Chilaw this morning and apprehended the group of 19 people, the van driver, and his assistant.
Among the apprehended group were 16 males including the van driver and his assistant, 01 female, and four children (03 boys and 01 girl).
The suspects have been identified as residents of Kilinochchi, Jaffna, Wattala, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa, Negombo, and Kochchikade.
The Sri Lanka Navy said it is conducting further investigation into the incident. (NewsWire)