Twenty (20) Sri Lankans, who were trafficked for forced criminal activities in cyber scamming compounds in Myanmar, have been rescued, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Issuing a statement, the Foreign Ministry said following repeated appeals to the Government of Myanmar and neighbouring countries, 20 Sri Lankans who were victims of human trafficking and stranded in Myanmar had been rescued and had safely arrived in Mae Sot, Thailand, on Wednesday (Aug 14).
The Foreign Ministry further said that the Sri Lanka Ambassador in Thailand, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe visited Mae Sot today and met with the rescued Sri Lankans and inquired into their welfare.
The Sri Lanka Missions in Yangon and Bangkok have been working closely to ensure the safe release and well-being of the victims. All the rescued Sri Lankans are in good health, and Thai authorities are facilitating Consular assistance. The Sri Lankan Embassy in Bangkok is coordinating with Thai authorities to take necessary measures to repatriate the rescued Sri Lankans.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is also working through the Sri Lankan Missions in Yangon and Bangkok to rescue the remaining 34 Sri Lankans stranded in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar at present.
These Sri Lankans who had travelled to Myanmar seeking foreign employment, without following the proper procedures for overseas employment and using tourist visas, had been lured into cybercriminal operations and became victims of human trafficking.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the public to be cautious and to adhere to the proper procedures when pursuing employment opportunities abroad, so as not to fall victim to human trafficking. (Newswire)