Thirty-nine Sri Lankans, who had attempted to enter Australia illegally were returned to Sri Lanka yesterday.

"The return of these unlawful arrivals, which was conducted with the cooperation of the Sri Lankan Government sends a strong signal that attempts to enter and remain in Australia illegally will not be successful", an Australian Government spokesperson said.

"The Australian Government has been working closely with a number of countries to secure the return of their nationals, who are found not to have a legal basis to remain in Australia", the spokesperson said. Australian authorities arrested five people from a boat, which travelled from Sri Lanka to Cocos (Keeling) Islands in December last year. They have been charged with people smuggling offences. Under Australian law, people smuggling attracts a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison or a fine of $220,000 or both.

Over 9,000 Sri Lankans visited Australia legally in the past year. Around 1,000 Sri Lankans migrated to Australia as skilled migrants and through family reunion programs.