The Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka says that they, in coordination with Sri Lankan Missions in Myanmar and Thailand successfully facilitated the repatriation of 20 Sri Lankans who had been victims of human trafficking to Myanmar. They arrived safely in Colombo on September 05.

The MFA statement further notes :

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with Sri Lankan Missions in Myanmar and Thailand successfully facilitated the repatriation of 20 Sri Lankans who had been victims of human trafficking to Myanmar. They arrived safely in Colombo on September 05, 2024.

Following the Ministry’s persistent efforts, these Sri Lankans were rescued and evacuated from Myanmar on August 14, 2024, with close collaboration and support from law enforcement authorities in both Myanmar and Thailand.

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 International Organization for Migration (IOM) supported the repatriation by providing air tickets and transportation. Mr.Kanchana Bandara, Director of Consular Affairs Division, received the group of 20 Sri Lankans at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, on September 05, 2024.

The Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry, in collaboration with Sri Lankan Missions in Yangon and Bangkok and other relevant stakeholders, coordinated the rescue and repatriation of the Sri Lankans.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed that 35 Sri Lankans remain trapped in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar. The Ministry is persistently working with relevant authorities to ensure their early rescue and repatriation.

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 channels.