COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Iranian parliament ratified a bill on an extradition treaty with Sri Lanka today (April 16).

The Mehr News Agency in Iran reports a total of 203 lawmakers were present in parliament when the bill was ratified today(April 16th). 153 votes were cast in favor, 11 were cast against and 7 were absent.

The treaty which includes an introduction and twenty-one articles will allow the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to exchange convicts and the related documents.

According to the Members of Parliament who were present at the session, dozens of Iranian and Sri Lankan nationals are imprisoned in both countries.