COLOMBO, 14 April, 2021 (TON): The Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced that the Joint Agency Task Force Operation Sovereign Borders supporting the Sri Lankan Police that aims to establish an aerial drone surveillance capability has gifted five drones to Sri Lankan police.

The Commander of the Joint Agency Task Force, along with the Australian Federal Police gifted the Sri Lankan Police five aerial drones to support crime fighting in Sri Lanka at a virtual ceremony last week.

The drones will be used in a wide range of activities including natural disaster scene assessment and recovery, transnational crime investigation and to counter maritime people smuggling.

The commander of Joint Agency Task Force Operation Sovereign Borders, Rear Admiral Mark Hill said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Sri Lankan Police for their continued efforts to deter and disrupt illegal maritime people smuggling activities in Sri Lanka.”

 “Working together, Australia and Sri Lanka send a strong message that people smugglers and potential illegal immigrants considering illegal travel to Australia by boat have zero chance of success,” he added.

The new drones could be used in a range of ways to enhance the operational capabilities of Sri Lankan Police. However, the partnership highlights the strength of Australia’s relationship with Sri Lanka, who has been a valuable partner in preventing and responding to maritime people smuggling.