There have been reports in the media on ‘M/V Sun Sea’ which is reportedly heading towards the East Coast of Canada carrying over 200 illegal immigrants from Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa and the relevant Security Agencies in Colombo have been in close contact with the relevant authorities in Canada on this issue.

The High Commissioner in Ottawa met with Mr. Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism of Canada and discussed mutual concerns on illegal immigration and human smuggling from Sri Lanka which are linked to LTTE operations outside the country.

The High Commission also had extensive discussions with the officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade, Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration, the Canadian Boarder Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS).

The Canadian authorities have been briefed on the activities of the LTTE elements who are resorting to criminal activities through front organizations. Their attention has been drawn to the threats to international and national security arising from transnational crime which includes terrorism, drug trafficking and human smuggling and the need for greater international cooperation at the diplomatic as well as operational level to combat these threats to national security.

Sri Lanka High Commission
Ottawa

10th August 2010