Lanka, Australia in joint effort against illegal migrants

President Mahinda Rajapaksa met with visiting Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr last Monday and among the topics discussed was the persistent issue of illegal immigration.

As a result of Carr's visit, the Sri Lankan and Australian governments are launching a joint maritime surveillance program to deter human smuggling and transnational crime. Also established was a joint working committee composed of senior officials from each country, with the goal of combating human trafficking. During their meeting, Carr told President Rajapaksa that by returning illegal immigrants to their countries of origin, Australia intends to send a strong message to other potential immigrants and to discourage them from attempting the often dangerous path.