The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Sri Lanka High Commission to Indonesia has assigned an officer to to identify as to whether the illegal immigrants who landed on the Achae shores of Indonesia, are in fact Sri Lankan.
Spokesperson, Maheshini Colonne stated that it has yet to to be confirmed that the illegal immigrants are of Sri Lankan nationality. Indonesian authorities have granted permission for the illegal migrants to step ashore.
Women and children are among the 44 illegal immigrants. The boat which was heading for Australia, arrived on the Ache coast on the 11th of June following technical difficulties that were experienced during the journey.
Although the boat was in close proximity to land, migrants were restricted by officers of Ache County, from stepping ashore. However, following requests made by several international human rights organisations, these individuals were permitted to step ashore.