The Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath had a telephone conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister of Myanmar, U Than Swe, today to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and addressing key concerns related to the rescue of Sri Lankan nationals.
The Minister requested for the urgent assistance of the Myanmar Government to facilitate the early rescue and safe repatriation of 18 Sri Lankan nationals who have been trafficked to the Myawaddy area in Myanmar to work in Cybercrime centres.
Minister Herath, expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the Government of Myanmar for its continued support in rescuing and repatriating Sri Lankan victims of human trafficking from the Myawaddy region. Between 2022 and 2024, Myanmar assisted in rescuing and repatriating 91 Sri Lankans. Minister Herath urged Myanmar’s urgent cooperation to facilitate the immediate rescue and repatriation of the remaining 18 Sri Lankans who are forcibly detained, and reportedly facing torture and mistreatment by trafficking syndicates in Myawaddy.
The two Ministers reaffirmed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations rooted in over 75 years of diplomatic ties, and strong people to people links underpinned by Theravada Buddhist heritage. The two Ministers also agreed to seek the possibility of convening the 4th round of the Sri Lanka-Myanmar Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) at a mutually convenient time.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism will continue to work towards the rescue and repatriation of the remaining Sri Lankans trapped in the Myawaddy area with the support of the Myanmar Government. (Foreign Ministry)