Aussie minister, Navy chief discuss bilateral cooperation, people smuggling

http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/05/03/sec02.asp

Ridma Dissanayake

Australian Immigration and Citizenship Minister Brendan O’Connor met Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage at the Naval Headquarters yesterday.

Australian Immigration and Citizenship Minister Brendan O’Connor meets Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage. Department of Immigration and Citizenship Secretary Martin Bowles, Ministerial Advisor Stephen Wettenhall and Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Robyn Mudie were also present.

He was accompanied by Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) Secretary Martin Bowles and Ministerial Advisor Stephen Wettenhall.

Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Robyn Mudie was also present.

They held discussions focusing on bilateral cooperation and people smuggling.

The minister conveyed his appreciation to the SLN’s efforts in countering irregular migration and commended the commitment shown by SLN personnel in rescuing of persons coerced to take on the perilous journeys. The Navy Commander briefed the minister on the measures being implemented in collaboration with law enforcement authorities for the prevention of illegal migration and the SLN’s continuous missions to search and rescue people trapped in sea.

The minister is in Sri Lanka as part of the Australian government’s continuing commitment to deepening Australia’s relationship with Sri Lanka.

He is scheduled to meet senior ministers and officials to discuss cooperation in enhancing migration management.

The minister will also seek to strengthen cooperation with Sri Lanka on the shared challenges of irregular migration and people smuggling.