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The Singapore-based expert, cross-examined by lawyers for the group, is "credible and trustworthy," said adjudicator of the Immigration and Refugee Board Lynda Mackie in a nine-page ruling.

Mr. Gunaratna alleged that some of the asylum seekers were members of the LTTE, planning to move to Canada to re-establish the separatist movement and to raise funds.

He also claimed their ship was a gun-running vessel that transported weapons to the LTTE during the war.

In response, the adjudicator has said, "I am satisfied that some weight must be given to Dr. Gunaratna's assertions concerning the LTTE's connections to the MV Easwary and find that it is possible that it is still an LTTE-controlled ship."

"It is possible, even probable, that some of the men on board have links to the LTTE," she has said.