20 Sri Lankans trapped in Myanmar cyber camps rescued

Twenty more Sri Lankan nationals, who were held hostage in the cybercrime camps in Myawaddy area of Myanmar have been rescued, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed.

Accordingly, the rescued Sri Lankans have safely arrived in Thailand and are in the custody of Thailand’s Department of Immigration and Emigration, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Sri Lanka Ambassador in Thailand Wijayanthi Edirisinghe visited Mae Sot, Thailand today and met with the rescued Sri Lankans and inquired into their welfare, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that all of them are in good health condition, and that and Thai authorities are facilitating Consular assistance.  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated that measures are underway to facilitate their repatriation to Sri Lanka.

Out of the 56 Sri Lankans who were trapped in cybercrime camps in Myawaddy, eight were rescued by the Myanmar government authorities in early March and they were safely repatriated to the island on April 18, 2024.

It is reported that around 34 more Sri Lankan nationals are still being held in the relevant cybercrime camps in Myanmar. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that they are 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, with the support of the relevant governments.

These Sri Lankans traveled to Myanmar seeking foreign employment, without following the proper procedures for overseas employment and using tourist visas, they were lured into cybercriminal operations and became victims of human trafficking, the ministry added.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 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.