65 arrested for attempting illegally migrate by boat

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities have arrested 65 people who were preparing to travel overseas illegally, by boat.

Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st said among the arrested were a girl and a woman and the rest were males.

"The arrests were made based on intel received by the State Intelligence Service," said the Police Spokesperson adding that the group was arrested at a small hotel in Trincomalee.

Police discovered dry rations and clothing in the possession of the group, who are residents from Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Mullaithibu.

He said investigations are underway to trace and arrest the human traffickers.