The Ministry of Defence has urged Sri Lankans to avoid seeking employment in Myanmar through illegal means.
Despite prior government warnings, it has been reported that 89 Sri Lankans have illegally travelled to Myanmar for work. Alarmingly, some of these individuals are being forcibly detained in a camp within a cyber-crime area controlled by terrorist groups in Myanmar.
With the assistance of the Myanmar government, 40 Sri Lankans have been released from captivity. However, 54 Sri Lankans remain trapped in the cyber-crime area.
The ministry said they are working with the Myanmar government to secure the release of those still held. Accordingly, the Secretary of Defence requested the public to refrain from seeking employment in Myanmar.
Anyone with information about human trafficking activities is urged to contact the Ministry of Defence or the Criminal Investigation Department to help ensure the safety and security of Sri Lankan citizens.
