Australia returns people smuggling boat to Sri Lanka

The Australian and Sri Lankan Governments continue to work closely to stop the criminal activity of people smugglers.

A people smuggling boat carrying six Sri Lankan nationals attempting to travel illegally has recently been intercepted and the occupants have all been returned to Sri Lanka.

This return shows that there has not been, and will not be, any change to Australia’s robust border protection policies.  

Since Operation Sovereign Borders began in 2013, every Sri Lankan boat that has attempted to come to Australia illegally has failed.

Anyone who attempts to travel illegally by boat to Australia will be turned back and will waste their time and money, and will risk their life.

Don’t believe the lies of people smugglers – the journey is long and extremely dangerous and people should not risk their lives in unsafe boats.

Australia welcomes Sri Lanka’s efforts to disrupt people smuggling ventures and has cooperated closely with Sri Lankan authorities to return people who have tried to enter Australia illegally.

Australia will continue to work with Sri Lanka and other regional partners to stop anyone who attempts to reach Australia illegally by boat.