February 24, Colombo (LNW): The Foreign Affairs Ministry, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan mission in Myanmar, is intensifying efforts to rescue and repatriate Sri Lankan nationals who have fallen prey to human trafficking schemes in Myanmar. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry raised the issue with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, urgently seeking intervention to rescue Sri Lankan victims ensnared in various online scams within the Myawaddy area.
According to the ministry’s statement, these Sri Lankans were coerced into fraudulent activities under the guise of legitimate job offers in the IT field. The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Myanmar has consistently alerted Myanmar authorities about the dire situation, urging immediate action to free the victims from cybercriminal activities orchestrated by traffickers. The Myanmar Government has reportedly assured that all necessary measures will be taken to swiftly rescue the victims.
Acting Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary U.L. Mohammed Jauhar met Myanmar’s Ambassador in Colombo on February 22, reiterating the urgent need for assistance in the safe rescue and repatriation of Sri Lankan nationals in the Myawaddy area. However, difficulties in accessing the concerned area due to the prevailing situation have been acknowledged by the Myanmar Government.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry is closely coordinating with Sri Lankan Missions in neighboring Southeast Asian countries and international organizations to ensure the well-being and prompt repatriation of affected Sri Lankans. Additionally, collaboration with other countries whose nationals have been similarly affected is being explored.
The ministry cautions the families of the affected persons against individuals attempting to collect money by promising assistance in the rescue and repatriation process. They urge extreme caution in dealing with such individuals.
Assuring constant contact with relevant authorities, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is committed to exploring all possible avenues for the rescue and safe repatriation of Sri Lankans who have become victims of human trafficking in Myanmar, in close collaboration with the Myanmar Government authorities.
