The Sri Lankan navy arrested 20 asylum seekers who were reportedly fleeing the island by boat on Monday.
The 20 asylum seekers who were on board the fishing vessel, were detained in the seas east of the Foul Point, Trincomalee after a tip off was received by the navy.
The group of 20, made up of 16 men, 1 female and 3 children were reportedly identified as residents of Kalawanchikudi, Batticaloa, Muthur, Jaffna and Negombo area. According to the navy's statement, the group will be handed over to the Harbour Police in Trincomalee for onward legal proceedings.
The navy state on their website that they conduct regular patrols at sea to "prevent illegal migration attempts." In recent months, several boats have been intercepted by the Sri Lankan navy who have arrested many asylum seekers- mainly Tamils from the North-East.