The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, held a telephone conversation with Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maris Sangiampongsa, today (13 February 2025) to reaffirm Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and underscored the urgent assistance required with respect to the rescue and safe repatriation of trafficked Sri Lankans.
Minister Herath highlighted the significance of diplomatic relations between the two countries and expressed Sri Lanka’s continued support for Thailand’s BIMSTEC Chairmanship ahead of the BIMSTEC Summit scheduled for April this year.
He also expressed appreciation for Thailand’s ongoing support in rescuing and repatriating Sri Lankans trafficked to cybercrime centers in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar. Since 2023, Thailand has facilitated the safe return of 58 Sri Lankans who were forcibly detained by human trafficking syndicates. Minister Herath urged Thailand’s urgent cooperation to expedite the rescue and repatriation of the remaining 18 Sri Lankans, who are reportedly facing torture and mistreatment in these centres. The Foreign Minister of Thailand assured assistance to Sri Lanka in the endeavour to rescue the remaining trafficked Sri Lankans.
The Ministry will continue efforts to secure the rescue and repatriation of the remaining Sri Lankans in Myawaddy, with support of the Thai and Myanmar governments.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
Colombo
13 February 2025
