The Madang District Court has ordered the deportation of five Sri Lankan nationals who were arrested for illegally entering Papua New Guinea. The group, caught after being rescued at sea in Madang Province, must each pay a fine of K2,500 or face six months in prison. The total fine paid by the group amounted to K12,500. The Sri Lankans, along with two Papua New Guineans, were found drifting at sea near Boisa Island on September 21st after their boat ran out of fuel while traveling from Vanimo, West Sepik Province, to the Highlands. A coordinated rescue effort by the Madang Transnational Crime Unit, National Criminal Intelligence Unit, and local authorities brought the group to safety. According to Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, Madang Provincial Police Commander, the Sri Lankans entered PNG from Indonesia without proper documentation and were charged under PNG’s Migration Act. Following their court appearance on September 27, the five individuals paid their fines and were cautioned at Beon Correctional Institution in the presence of PNG Immigration, PNG Customs, and other relevant agencies. The Sri Lankans are currently in the custody of PNG Immigration at Madang Resort. Arrangements are being made to transfer them to the Bomana Immigration Centre (BIC) in Port Moresby within 48 hours, where deportation procedures will be completed. Acting Superintendent Baim expressed gratitude to the agencies involved, including Customs Manager Tony Brabar and his officers. He urged citizens to report any illegal immigrants, stating, “We must report sightings of such aliens to relevant authorities before it’s too late. They could take over our sovereign nation, and we must act to protect it.”