Foreign Minister Ali Sabry initiated a telephone conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, U Than Swe, on Wednesday afternoon (03 Jan.), to address the ongoing issue involving 56 Sri Lankan nationals currently held in the Myawaddy area in Myanmar.
During the discussion, Minister Sabry earnestly sought the assistance and urgent intervention of the Government of Myanmar to facilitate the immediate release of the group of Sri Lankans.
Additionally, the Foreign Minister appealed to his Myanmar counterpart to exert all possible efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the Sri Lankan nationals currently in detention.
Minister Sabry had previously discussed this matter with Minister U Than Swe during the BIMSTEC Foreign Minister’s Retreat held in Bangkok.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Myanmar are actively engaging with the Myanmar authorities to secure assistance and cooperation for the safe repatriation of Sri Lankan nationals who have fallen victim to human trafficking for cybercrimes.
Based on available information to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 56 Sri Lankan nationals are unlawfully detained in the Myawaddy area, having become victims of human trafficking for cybercrimes.
The Ministry remains committed to exploring all possible avenues to guarantee the safety and security of the Sri Lankans and to facilitate their early repatriation, in consultation with the Government of Myanmar.”
