The Sri Lankan navy on Monday arrested 18 people who were fleeing the island towards Australia by boat.
The refugees, who were on board the fishing vessel, 'Blue Star', were detained off the coast of Batticaloa after a tip off was received by the navy, the SundayTimes.lk reported.
"Further the Navy reminds of its strong network of intelligence and regular patrols put in place to nip such illegal migration efforts in the bud as the country is very strict with illegal migration attempts," the navy reportedly said in a statement.
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