The commander of the Sri Lankan Navy, Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera has praised Australia’s “Operation Sovereign Border” policy, turning back boats with asylum seekers.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the chief prelates of the Buddhist clergy, Perera said that the people in the boats were “merely economic migrants”.
“Sri Lanka has developed, even the Prime Minister of Australia stated this recently. That is why 41 people who travelled there were returned to the country. They believe that Sri Lanka is secure. They understand that there is no longer a reason for people to leave the country,” Perera said to Newsfirst.
The Vice Admiral also cited Australia’s Immigration Minister Scott Morrison, who according to Perera had conceded that the migrants are seeking “greener pastures”.