SL urges Myanmar to rescue Lankans held by terrorists in cyber slave camp

• 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

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

Sri Lanka has urged Myanmar to facilitate the rescue of the group of Sri Lankans held captive for forced criminal activities at a camp in the Cyber Criminal area operated by a terrorist group in Myanmar.  

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. In April this year, eight Sri Lankans rescued from this cyber scam trafficking were safely repatriated to Sri Lanka.  

Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, General Kamal Gunaratne, called on Myanmar Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing at the Prime Minister’s office, and requested assistance in rescuing the captive Sri Lankans. The Prime Minister emphasized the Myanmar government’s commitment to cooperating with Sri Lankan officials and prioritizing the resolution of this issue.  

The Defence Secretary met the Myanmar Prime Minister on the sidelines of the 4th meeting of the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs. During the meeting, they discussed friendly relations between the two countries, bilateral cooperation in diplomatic relations and religious affairs, the exchange of trainees, and enhanced cooperation. 

The Defence Secretary was accompanied by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Myanmar Mrs. Prabashini Ponnamperuma and Wing Commander Nuwan Medagama from the Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka.