Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Hon. Brendan O’Connor met Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage at the Naval Headquarters on 02nd May 2013.
He was accompanied by Secretary of Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), Mr. Martin Bowles and Ministerial Advisor, Mr. Stephen Wettenhall. Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Robyn Mudie were also present on the occasion.
They held discussions focusing on ongoing bilateral cooperation on people smuggling. The Minister conveyed his appreciation for the SLN’s efforts in countering irregular migration and commended the commitment shown by SLN personnel in rescuing of persons coerced to take on the perilous journeys. The Commander of the Navy briefed the Minister on the measures being implemented in collaboration with law enforcement authorities for the prevention of illegal migration and SLN continuous missions to search and rescue people trapped in rough seas.
The Minister is in Sri Lanka as part of the Australian Government’s continuing commitment to deepening Australia’s relationship with Sri Lanka. He is scheduled to meet with senior government ministers and officials to discuss ongoing cooperation in enhancing migration management. The minister will also seek to strengthen ongoing cooperation with Sri Lanka on the shared challenges of irregular migration and people smuggling.
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Naval Today Staff, May 2, 2013; Image: Sri Lanka Navy