Australian counter people smuggling delegation meets State Minister and Secretary Defence for discussions
September 04, 2019An Australian Government delegation led by Commander of Australia’s Joint Task Force, Operation Sovereign Borders, Major General Craig Furini met the State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene for a discussion on counter people smuggling issues, at the Ministry, on 03 September (2019).
Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General SHS Kottegoda WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc was also present at the meeting.
The Australian delegation had discussions on matters relating to people smuggling and human trafficking issues and deterrent actions taken against illegal migration attempts originating from the country. The Australian authorities praised the tough actions taken against people smuggling operations and crack down on human trafficking activities in the island.
They also discussed on areas were more progress could be achieved and also ways and means of providing impetus to the present counter people smuggling operations carried out by law enforcement agencies. The Australian delegation was pleased with the outcome of this successful meeting.
Australia’s Ambassador for People Smuggling and Human Trafficking, Mr. Bryce Hutchesson, Manager National Response Operations, Australian Federal Police, Commander Jason Williams, Australian High Commissioner HE David Holley and Deputy High Commissioner, Ms. Victoria Coakley were also among the Australian delegation.
Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva and Deputy Military Liaison Officer at the MoD Brigadier DMAP Dissanayake were also present at the meeting.
