Return of asylum seekers to Sri Lanka confirmed

A boatload of asylum seekers has been handed over to Sri Lankan authorities, the government has confirmed.

A statement from Immigration Minister Scott Morrison's office this morning stated that a group of 41 Sri Lankan nationals had been returned after they were intercepted late last month.

"[The] potential illegal maritime arrivals who were intercepted on the SIEV were returned to Sri Lankan authorities yesterday," it read.

"The 41 Sri Lankan nationals were transferred at sea, in mild sea conditions from a vessel assigned to Border Protection Command to Sri Lankan authorities, just outside the Port of Batticaloa."

The development follows repeated refusals by the government to confirm the reports.

This transfer of 41 persons, including 37 Sinhalese and four Tamil Sri Lankan nationals, came after the interception by Border Protection Command West of Cocos (Keeling) Islands late last month.

The statement read that all the intercepted and returned people were “subjected to an enhanced screening process” to ensure compliance by Australia with our international obligations under relevant conventions.

One person has reportedly identified for a referral, but volunteered to return to Sri Lanka.

Speaking on 2GB radio this morning, Mr Morrison confirmed that the 41 people and one dog had been returned.

He also addressed criticism of the government’s actions, saying there was “nothing compassionate” about softening the government’s stance on asylum seekers.

“I know that there are people out there that feel uncomfortable about this,” he said.

“But this is how you stop the boats.”

Mr Morrison did not confirm reports of a second vessel, but stated it was a “reasonable assumption” to make that there was a second boat that hasn't entered Australian waters.

The handling of the issue has been criticised by the Opposition, with Labor Senator Penny Wong telling ABC radio that the government needed to give a full explanation.

"Australians also expect that their government complies with what are ethical and legal obligations, which are not to return people to the risk of persecution," she said.

Australian Greens leader Christine Milne also criticised the government's actions, saying they were against international law and decency.

"It's absolutely appalling," she said.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon also weighed in, saying he was "uneasy" with the actions of the government.

- with AAP.