Sri Lanka seeks urgent Myanmar assistance to rescue trafficked nationals
COLOMBO -– Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath sought the immediate intervention of the Myanmar government to facilitate the swift rescue and safe repatriation of 18 Sri Lankan citizens who had been trafficked to the Myawaddy region and forced to work in cybercrime centres.
Herath sought the intervention during a telephone discussion he had with Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister of Foreign Affairs, U Than Swe on Monday (3).
Expressing Sri Lanka’s gratitude for Myanmar’s continued support in combating human trafficking, Herath acknowledged the country’s efforts in rescuing and repatriating 91 Sri Lankans between 2022 and 2024. However, he underscored the urgency of securing the release of the remaining 18 individuals, who are reportedly being forcibly detained and subjected to mistreatment and torture by trafficking syndicates in Myawaddy.
Beyond immediate rescue efforts, the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Sri Lanka-Myanmar relations, which are underpinned by over 75 years of diplomatic ties and deep-rooted cultural and religious connections, particularly through their shared Theravāda Buddhist heritage.
They also explored the possibility of convening the fourth round of the Sri Lanka-Myanmar Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) at a mutually convenient time to further enhance cooperation on key bilateral matters.
Sri Lankan authorities remain engaged with regional partners and international organizations to combat human trafficking networks and ensure the safety and welfare of its nationals abroad.
Further updates on the rescue and repatriation process are expected as diplomatic negotiations progress.
-ENCL
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