153 asylum seekers from Sri Lanka being held at sea after boat intercepted . High court hearing held by lawyers seeking to stop appeals to Sri Lankan authorities . Australian government has a policy of not commenting on operational matters . Culture of secrecy ' Silence condemned by human rights advocates , critics of ' ` harsh '' policy .
153 asylum seekers from Sri Lanka being held at sea after boat intercepted . High court hearing held by lawyers seeking to stop appeals to Sri Lankan authorities . Australian government has a policy of not commenting on operational matters . Silence condemned by human rights advocates , critics of ' ` harsh '' policy .