The Sri Lankan navy arrested at least seven persons, including women and children, who tried to flee the island and escape to India by way of sea through Mannar on Saturday.
Five persons, including a 29 year old man, a 29 year old woman, a 38 year old woman and two 9 year old female children, were arrested by the navy in the waters near Pesalai village in Mannar. Further, two men, one aged 32 and the other 37, were arrested on charges of arranging the travel for those trying to leave the country.
The Sri Lankan navy revealed that the persons were arrested during an ambush in the sea and they were all identified as belonging to Mannar district.
The navy subsequently handed over the arrested persons to the Pesalai police who are currently conducting an investigation into the attempted escape.
It is reported that following the investigation, all seven persons would be brought to trial at the Mannar Court.
The Sri Lanka navy claimed on its website that it "has been conducting regular patrols in island’s waters to thwart all forms of nefarious activities including illegal immigration attempts".
We need your support
Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Tamil journalists are particularly at threat, with at least 41 media workers known to have been killed by the Sri Lankan state or its paramilitaries during and after the armed conflict.
Despite the risks, our team on the ground remain committed to providing detailed and accurate reporting of developments in the Tamil homeland, across the island and around the world, as well as providing expert analysis and insight from the Tamil point of view
We need your support in keeping our journalism going. Support our work today.
For more ways to donate visit https://donate.tamilguardian.com.
