Australia to send failed Sri Lankan asylum seekers home

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, has warned Sri Lankans who might be considering attempting the journey to Australia: "Do not pay a people smuggler, do not risk your life, only to arrive in Australian waters and find that far, far more likely than not you will be quickly sent home," the High Commission said in a press release yesterday.

Based on a range of country information and following the issue this week of UNHCR refugee guidelines, which indicate that the situation in Sri Lanka is improving, the Australian Government has lifted its suspension of processing Sri Lankan asylum claims, the release stated.

As a result of improving circumstances in Sri Lanka, it is now likely that fewer Sri Lankans will be granted refugee status in Australia.