COLOMBO (News 1st); A special operation conducted by the Navy in the beach area of Chilaw led to the apprehension of 19 people suspected to be on an attempt to migrate from the country by illegal means via sea routes this morning (09th November 2021).

The Navy also held a van at the location, during this operation.

Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular operations in coastal areas around the island to thwart all forms of illegal activities stemming from sea routes.

On receipt of information, the Navy mounting a special operation, searched a spacious van in the estuary of Chilaw this morning and apprehended this group of 19, who were believed to be on an illegal migration attempt by sea, with the van driver and his assistant.

Among the apprehended group were 16 males including the van driver and his assistant, 01 female, 03 boys, and 01 girl.

The suspects were residents of Kilinochchi, Jaffna, Wattala, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa, Negombo, and Kochchikade areas.

It is suspected that the group had attempted to illegally migrate to a ‍foreign country by sea.

The operation was conducted adhering to COVID-19 protocols in force to prevent possibility of the transmission of the pandemic. Further investigation into the incident is being conducted by the Navy as of now.

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