65 arrested for trying to leave the country illegally

A group of 65 people, including a 04-year-old child, have been arrested for attempting to illegally migrate to a foreign country via the sea.

Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said the group was arrested while staying at a hotel in Trincomalee prior to their departure.

He said the arrest had taken place following a tip-off by the State Intelligence Service (SIS).

The group, which includes three women, has been identified as residents of Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, and Trincomalee.

SSP Nihal Thalduwa said investigations are underway to find out if the arrested individuals were part of human trafficking.