Sri Lanka talks on people-smuggling

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Sri Lankan civilians flee during the country's civil war. [AFP]

Last Updated: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 08:24:00 +1100

A special envoy from Australia to Sri Lanka is expected to travel to the country soon to help address the problem of people smuggling.

Former high commissioner John McCarthy has been appointed to the role.

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Stephen Smith, says he will meet Mr McCarthy in the next couple of days to discuss his new job.

Mr Smith says Australia can help Sri Lanka respond to significant challenges like displaced people and asylum seekers.

"The difficulties in the aftermath of the civil conflict, the challenges that that throws up for Sri Lankan including questions of boat people and asylum seekers will be one of the things which Mr McCarthy discusses with the Sri Lankan Government," he said.

"Australia wants to render every assistance that we can to Sri Lanka."