Sri Lanka seeks Thai assistance to repatriate Sri Lankans rescued from Myanmar

• Around 56 Sri Lankans are being illegally held in Myawaddy area as victims of human trafficking   

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry yesterday said his Thai counterpart Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara had assured quick repatriation of Sri Lankans who have been rescued from human traffickers in Myanmar   

“I spoke with the Foreign Minister of Thailand Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara over the phone last morning to request assistance to facilitate the early repatriation of rescued Sri Lankans currently in the Myawaddy area in Myanmar. The Foreign Minister agreed to assist in the repatriation,” Minister Sabry said in his X message.    The eight Sri Lankans under Myanmar government protection are receiving necessary assistance from the Sri Lanka Embassy in Yangon. Sri Lanka is also working on the rescue and repatriation of remaining Sri Lankans trapped in the Myawaddy area,” he added.    According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs around 56 Sri Lankan nationals are being illegally held in Myawaddy area as victims of human trafficking for cybercrimes.”    

The Sri Lankans are believed to have entered Myanmar on tourist visas in search of employment. 

 
Meanwhile, the Myanmar Foreign Affairs Minister has also agreed to work on early implementation of the Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA) and reciprocal visa-free arrangement between our two countries.   

• Sri Lankans are believed to have entered Myanmar on tourist visas in search of employment