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    Over 175 illegal migrants intercepted by Navy in 2019 Source:Ministry of Defence With a sharp increase in Sri Lankan illegal migrants to Australia and New Zealand in 2019, Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) says it has strengthened its surveillance operations with the support of the Sri Lanka Air force (SLAF) and the Australia’s Operations Sovereign Borders (AOSB). The SLN said average of over 64 Sri Lankans had tried to flee the country illegally in 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively. “But 175 illegal migrants had left our shores only in last year. They are mainly from Chilaw, Batticoloa, Dondra and Trincomalee,” SLN Spokesman LCdr.  Isuru Sooriyabandara revealed during a press briefing held at the Media Centre, today (02). According to LCdr Sooriyabandara, some of those who were trying to flee the country were taken into the custody while they were preparing to flee the country and the majorities were apprehended ...