Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says the arrest of an alleged people-smuggling kingpin in Sri Lanka shows the country is serious about tackling the vile trade.
Fairfax reports Sri Lankan Navy Lieutenant-Commander Sanjeewa Annatugoda, who was arrested on people-smuggling charges in September, has previously been involved in briefing Australia's border protection officials and diplomats on the fight against people-smuggling.
Commander Annatugoda denies the charges.
Ms Bishop told reporters in Colombo she was aware of reports of the arrest, but rejected suggestions of it being embarrassing.
"We certainly welcome the fact that the Sri Lankan government is taking the issue of people smuggling very seriously and cracking down on alleged corruption," she said.
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Fairfax reported police were alleging the commander had a key role in Sri Lanka's biggest people-smuggling ring.
In November last year, he met with Australia's Border Protection Command head Rear-Admiral David Johnston and high commissioner Robyn Mudie.
The number of boats from Sri Lanka had dropped considerably this year.
Having received around 6400 Sri Lankans in 2012, about 1200 were reported in the 12 months to August this year.
It's been estimated people pay between $6000 and $10,000 for the trip.
Ms Bishop said she believed most Sri Lankans seeking people-smugglers' help to get to Australia were economic migrants, rather than people fleeing persecution or violence.
"It seems clear the civil war is over," she said.
"The grounds for claiming asylum don't apply."
