In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the Sri Lanka Navy said today that it has increased the security in Sri Lankan waters to prevent illegal migrants from entering the shores of Sri Lanka via sea routes.
Accordingly, the Navy has deployed more naval units to patrol the northern and northwest waters of the island around the clock.
The Navy has increased foot patrols to add weight to the security in the coastal areas and has established Coastal Observation Points in selected locations as well. Similarly, the Navy has urged the fishing community in respective areas to be vigilant regarding the possible arrival of illegal immigrants and inform relevant authorities, if any suspicious activity is observed in this regard. They have also been informed not to make contact with foreigners engaging in smuggling activities at sea.
The Navy urged all fishing communities to refrain from having any contact with foreign fishing vessels at sea and to provide information to the Navy if they know of any such smugglers