An Australian delegation accompanied by Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Robyn Louise Mudie visited the Sri Lanka Naval Dockyard in Trincomalee on 23rd November 2012.
The Australian High Commissioner paid a courtesy call on Deputy Area Commander of the SLN’s Eastern Naval Area, Commodore KKVPH De Silva and he briefed the delegation on the present state of illegal emigrants leaving to Australia from the East.
At a press conference held in Colombo, Deputy Secretary of the Australian Immigration and Citizenship Department, Mr. Peter Vardos , who was among the delegates visiting the Dockyard, lauded the pivotal role played by the Sri Lanka Navy in combating human smuggling to Australia by boats. He stated that the Sri Lanka Navy had succeeded in arresting over 3,000 illegal migrants on boats bound for Australia.
During the visit, the Australian delegation was provided with a harbour cruise as well as an opportunity to visit the Naval Museum.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff,November 23, 2012; Image: Sri Lanka Navy