Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on the government to refrain from acting in an inhumane manner by immediately deporting the Rohingya refugees from Myanmar who had arrived in Mullaitivu recently seeking asylum in Sri Lanka.
Addressing the Parliament yesterday, MP Premadasa said the government is attempting to immediately deport them, which was a violation of human rights.
Pointing out that the Rohingya refugees are those who have faced severe penalization in their own nation, MP Premadasa urged the government to adhere to the principle of non-refoulement when addressing this issue.
“We cannot forcibly deport them. Stop this act immediately and hold discussions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other relevant organizations. We must provide the Rohingya refugees with humane assistance,” he added.
A group of 103 Rohingya refugees, including over 40 children, were rescued off the Mullaitivu coast on 19 December 2024.
On 03 January 2025, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala said the government was considering deporting the Rohingya refugees.
At the time, Minister Wijepala said his government had begun discussing the issue with Myanmar authorities, and deportation could occur only after the legal process.
However, the decision caused an uproar, with several opposition politicians including SJB’s Mujibur Rahman and ACMC Leader Rishad Bathiudeen, calling on the government to reconsider its move. (Newswire)
“Don’t become inhumane. Do not forcibly deport them. Act according to the laws,” says Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa commenting on the Government’s decision to return Rohingya refugees from Myanmar seeking asylum in Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/UQRILMYb2s
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) January 8, 2025