More asylum seekers opt to return to Sri Lanka

Another group of Sri Lankan asylum seekers has asked to be sent home, rather than risk Australia sending them to an offshore processing facility, says ABC News.

Australian Immigration Minister Chris Bowen says the group consists of 28 men who arrived both before and after the new processing arrangements for Nauru and Manus Island were announced in August.

He says the men have come from detention centres on Nauru, Christmas Island, as well as mainland facilities including Villawood and Northam.

The men are on a flight to Colombo that departed Christmas Island this morning.

Earlier this month another group of Sri Lankan asylum seekers opted to head home rather than be sent to Nauru.

Meanwhile, Australian Department of Immigration has confirmed that 52 boats and nearly 3,200 passengers have been intercepted since the new processing arrangements came into force.

It has also confirmed more than 300 asylum seekers were intercepted from three boats in Australian waters. A total of 150 asylum seekers have now been taken to Nauru under the new policy. (Courtesy:peiu.lk)