Australian High Commission
Colombo
MEDIA RELEASE
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16 November 2009
Sri Lankan Boat Arrivals Returned
More than two thirds of a group of 50 Sri Lankans who arrived in Australia by boat in April have now been returned to Sri Lanka after they were determined not to be refugees.
A group of six men were returned to Colombo on Saturday 14 November.
They join 30 others from the same boat who were removed to Sri Lanka after their claims were thoroughly assessed in Australia and it was found they had not raised any issues which might engage Australia's obligations under the United Nations Refugees' Convention.
The 50 men were from a boat which was intercepted by Australia's Border Protection Command 65 nautical miles north-east of Thursday Island on April 2.
So far this year, 119 people who arrived in Australia by boat have been returned home.
