An Australian NGO working with Tamil asylum seekers and detainees in Australia, the Australian Refugee Action Coalition, said they expected more Tamil asylum seekers to risk their lives, as the situation in Sri Lanka deteriorated.
A spokesperson for Australian Refugee Action Coalition, Ian Rintoul, said,
“I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a record year for Sri Lankans [seeking aylum by boat]”
“Things in Sri Lanka are deteriorating.”
“Many of the people coming now thought things would change after the war, but ongoing frustration amongst many Tamils and oppression is driving the numbers up.”
“Many of the Sri Lankans have been in detention for two years or more.”
On Sunday, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that a boat carrying 51 'Sri Lankan' asylum seekers had arrived at Christmas Island.
Last month, 94 people died when two boats carrying asylum seekers capsized on the way to Christmas Island.
