Breaking News:Avant Garde vessel taken into custody upon entering Lankan waters

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne confirmed to News 1st that the MT Avant Garde vessel which entered Sri Lankan waters has been taken into custody, and investigations are underway.

According to the Navy Commander, investigations are undertaken on the advice of the President, and the Secretary of Defence. The Navy Commander reiterated that the Navy has the full authority to investigate the vessel which bore the Sri Lankan flag.

The Navy Commander also revealed that a large stock of weapons were also discovered inside the vessel, and added that there were 30 members of the crew. The captain of the ship is a Ukrainian National.

Vic Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne said that investigations are underway on the preliminary findings and the information provided by the vessel in question.

News 1st expresses its gratitude to the Navy Commander and the Navy for providing this information to News 1st, to bring it to the attention to the public.

When inquired by News 1st, as to why arrests have not been made in connection with the matter, the Navy Commander said that as investigations are underway, such actions could only be taken by the Coastguard department.

News 1st has been keeping a constant watch on the Avant Garde matter.

Watch Face The Nation tonight at 7:30 p.m. on MTV and Satana tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. on Sirasa TV for more details on this subject.

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