Security measures have been strengthened in Sri Lanka’s northern maritime zone, particularly around the Palk Strait, to prevent criminals from fleeing the country and escaping the law.
The special operations were launched following information that a number of criminals have been illegally crossing into India via the Mannar coastline before travelling onwards to Middle Eastern countries.
Meanwhile, two key suspects, aged 34 and 35, wanted in connection with the murder of a man at a birthday party in Wattala, were arrested by Indian authorities after reportedly fleeing to India by boat from Mannar.
The two suspects were subsequently handed over to Sri Lankan authorities and brought back to the country. They have been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for questioning.
They are expected to be handed over to the Colombo North Crime Division for further investigations.
Northern naval and security forces are currently conducting special search operations to prevent similar escapes facilitated by international human smugglers.
