Eight Sri Lankans who were rescued from cyber scam trafficking in Myanmar have been safely repatriated to Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said, in coordination with Sri Lanka Missions in Myanmar and Thailand, they were able to successfully facilitate the repatriation of the eight Sri Lankans who were trafficked for forced criminal activities in cyber scamming compounds in Myanmar.
Myanmar’s law enforcement authorities rescued these Sri Lankans on April 04, 2024, following the request by the Government of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Embassy officials in Bangkok received them on April 11, 2024, at the Mae Sot border gate in Thailand, after which they were brought to Bangkok and provided accommodation until their repatriation was arranged with the assistance of the International Organization for Migration.
The International Organization for Migration provided logistical assistance in repatriating the rescued Sri Lankans. The Sri Lankan Embassy in Myanmar, through the Eden Foundation, a charity organization based in Myanmar, provided them with food and other necessities during their temporary stay at the Myawaddy Police Station following the rescue from traffickers.
The Consular Affairs Division of the Foreign Ministry coordinated the repatriation process in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, and Director General/Consular Affairs of the Foreign Ministry A.S.K Senavirthne received the eight Sri Lankans at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
Upon their arrival, the eight Sri Lankans expressed their deep appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its persistent efforts in ensuring their safe return to Sri Lanka.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further expressed its sincere appreciation to the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand as well as other stakeholders, including IOM for their assistance in this regard.
In December last year, it was reported that a group of 56 Sri Lankans had been brought to Thailand for jobs related to the IT Industry and instead had been held captive at a camp in the Cyber Criminal area operated by a terrorist group in Myanmar.
Reports at the time revealed that the group of Sri Lankans were being subjected to inhumane treatment by the terrorist group, with the terrorists demanding US$ 8000 per person for their release.
Following a discussion with the Myanmar authorities, the Embassy of Sri Lanka was able to last year rescue 32 Sri Lankans who were held captive.
Thereafter, discussions were underway between Sri Lankan and Myanmar authorities to rescue the remaining 56 Sri Lankans who were being held captive, out of which the authorities managed to rescue 08 Sri Lankans. (Newswire)
