Colombo:
Sri Lanka police today arrested 75 people, including children and a suspected former LTTE cadre, from Tamil-dominated 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.
Authorities said an initial probe suggested that the group included a former Tamil Tiger rebel.
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.
The LTTE was vanquished by the military in 2009 after nearly three decades long ethnic war.