The Australian government today, delivered a patrol vessel to help Sri Lanka to stop people from leaving the North-East to seek asylum in Australia.
A spokesman from the Australian Navy, said,
“The fully furbished Australian Bay-class patrol vessel will substantially augment the SLN’s capacity as ti is able to cover a large area of Indian Ocean and serve Sri Lanka’s Search and Rescue Area more effectively. The event symbolises the commitment of key partners in enhancing maritime security in the region and the bilateral cooperation that exists between the two governments on combating people smuggling.”
Since October 2012, the Australian government has returned over 1,100 asylum seekers that reached the shores of Australia by boat.
The Australian government has received heavy criticism for it's collaboration with Sri Lanka on the issue of asylum seekers.
See also:
Australia’s support to Sri Lanka increases likelihood of torture – report (12 March 2014)
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