75 New Zealand-bound asylum seekers arrested in Sri Lanka

Police said they believe it was the first attempt by Sri Lankans to travel to New Zealand for asylum.

Sri Lankan police on Wednesday arrested 75 people, including children and women, from Batticaloa district for allegedly attempting to travel to New Zealand for asylum.

Police spokesman Ajith Rohana said the would-be asylum seekers were arrested at the southwestern fisheries harbour of Beruwela. Those arrested include nine women and six children, he said.

The police said they believe it was the first attempt by Sri Lankans to travel to New Zealand for asylum.

Australia, a favourite destination for asylum seekers from Sri Lanka, recently sent back to 45 Sri Lankans who tried to enter the country illegally.