Thirty Five Sri Lankans remain trapped in Myanmar : Foreign Ministry
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that 35 Sri Lankans remain trapped in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar, with ongoing efforts to ensure their early rescue and repatriation.
The Ministry in a statement said that it facilitated the repatriation of 20 Sri Lankans who had been victims of human trafficking in Myanmar, who arrived safely in Colombo on September 05, 2024.
Following persistent efforts, the Sri Lankans were rescued and evacuated from Myanmar on August 14, 2024, through close collaboration and support from law enforcement authorities in both Myanmar and Thailand, in coordination with Sri Lankan Missions of the two countries.
Officials from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bangkok met with the rescued Sri Lankans on August 15, 2024, in Mae Sot, a border city in Thailand near Myanmar, to ensure their safety and well-being during their stay in Thailand.
The Thai government provided them with food, shelter, and other essentials until the repatriation formalities were completed, the Foreign Ministry statement said.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) supported the repatriation by providing air tickets and transportation. Kanchana Bandara, Director of Consular Affairs Division, received the group of 20 Sri Lankans at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, on September 05, 2024.
The Ministry strongly urges the public not to fall victim to human trafficking syndicates when seeking employment abroad. The Ministry advises Sri Lankans to strictly adhere to the government-approved procedures for securing foreign employment and avoid unauthorized channel
2024-09-09
