Category: Articles

Former defence force chief Angus Houston has backed the government’s policy of sending people back to Sri Lanka, if they are found to be seeking asylum for economic rather than humanitarian reasons.

REMNANTS of Sri Lanka’s rebel Tamil Tigers are running people-smuggling operations to raise funds and help establish their fighters in Australia, a senior diplomat says.

THERE is a misconception among some Australians regarding the issue of Sri Lankan asylum-seekers because of a misinformation campaign carried out by parties with vested interests.

Having met Australian Navy Chief Vice Admiral (VA) Ray Griggs on the sidelines of Galle Dialogue 2012, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa told The Island that Australian support could strengthen ongoing anti-human smuggling operations undertaken by the Lankan navy.