Authorities in Sri Lanka say they have arrested 131 would-be asylum seekers heading to Australia.
Naval officials say they have seized the fishing trawler being used for the people-smuggling operation.
The navy detected the boat carrying 109 people off the east coast and has escorted it to the port of Trincomalee.
A police spokesman says they have arrested another 22 people suspected of preparing to leave the island illegally on a different trawler.
The number of Sri Lankans detained on charges of illegally trying to leave the country has reached more than 250 over the last week.
ABC AUS
Naval officials say they have seized the fishing trawler being used for the people-smuggling operation.
The navy detected the boat carrying 109 people off the east coast and has escorted it to the port of Trincomalee.
A police spokesman says they have arrested another 22 people suspected of preparing to leave the island illegally on a different trawler.
The number of Sri Lankans detained on charges of illegally trying to leave the country has reached more than 250 over the last week.
ABC AUS
