Three Sri Lankan citizens, including prominent ornamental fish exporter Ananda Pathirana and his wife, have been rescued in Bangladesh after being kidnapped and held for a ransom of one million US dollars. The rescue was the result of swift collaboration between Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi authorities, Asian Mirror learns.

The incident unfolded when the couple travelled to Bangladesh for business purposes related to the export trade, reportedly upon the invitation of an unidentified individual.

Upon their arrival, the Sri Lankans were allegedly drugged and taken to a remote location, where they were confined in a room. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of USD 1 million for their release.

Once news of the abduction reached Sri Lanka, authorities were immediately alerted. Those involved in the coordinated response included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (represented by Sunil Silva), Defence Ministry Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha, and Major General Ruwan Wanigasuriya, Chief of National Intelligence (CNI).

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dharmapala Weerakkody, played a key role in gathering intelligence and coordinating local efforts. Following these developments, a joint operation by the Bangladesh Police and Army was launched, leading to the rescue of the three Sri Lankans at approximately 2:30 AM.

The rescued individuals, all confirmed Sri Lankan nationals, are currently in the custody of Bangladeshi police and are expected to return home tomorrow (25 April).