More Sri Lankan navy sailors are under suspicion of people smuggling and face possible arrest as police continue their investigations into widespread naval complicity in the illegal people trade from the island.
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"We will move to arrest about another eight to 10 men," Inspector of Police PSC Sanjeewa said in the coastal city of Matara.
He confirmed that some of those still under investigation were serving naval personnel.
Fairfax Media reported on Friday that a senior naval officer, Lieutenant Commander Sanjeewa Annatugoda, had briefed the head of Australia's border protection command, Rear Admiral David Johnston, on counter-smuggling operations, at the same time as he was allegedly a key player in Sri Lanka's largest smuggling ring.
Lt-Cdr Annatugoda may even have been brought to Australia to be briefed on Canberra's measures to stop people smuggling, Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said.
"I am advised that there was no information provided at that briefing that might have assisted him with his alleged criminal activities," he said.
Despite the arrest of four sailors, including Lt-Cdr Annatugoda, and a suspicion other serving naval personnel are also working with people smugglers, Mr Morrison said there was no evidence naval co-operation in the illegal trade was systemic. "I wouldn't be leaping to any conclusion at this point … what this incident shows is it doesn't matter who you are.
''When we work with our partners to track down people involved … there are no exceptions. It doesn't matter what business you're in, or what position you hold, when we're going after people smugglers, we're going after people smugglers."
In Colombo, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he intended to thank the government of Sri Lanka for its assistance in combating people smuggling.
"We have very good and close co-operation with the Sri Lankan government and the Sri Lankan Navy when it comes to stopping the boats."
Australia provides several million dollars a year in materiel support and training for the Sri Lankan Navy.
Thirty-one men have been arrested as part of what is regarded as the largest, and most profitable smuggling ring in the country Lanka.
The gang made millions of rupees charging passengers between 300,000 rupees ($2450) and 800,000 rupees for a single place on a boat to Australia.
It has been reported the ring was responsible for sending up to 6000 people towards Australia. Since Lt-Cdr Annatugoda and the 30 other members of the racket were arrested, the number of boats leaving Sri Lanka for Australia has dropped 90 per cent.
