Thirty-two Sri Lankan nationals stranded in Myanmar as victims of human trafficking have been rescued following a coordinated operation by the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Ministry.

The group, lured into cybercrime operations, included 24 males and 8 females. Their rescue was facilitated through cooperation between Sri Lanka’s envoys in Myanmar and Thailand, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Ven. Maligawila Assaji Thero, who represented the families of those trafficked.

Under the directive of Minister Vijitha Herath, urgent representations were made to the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand, resulting in the successful operation. The rescued individuals were safely brought across the Mae Sot border into Thailand on 25 November, where Sri Lanka’s Ambassador received them. They are currently in the Tak Province, with their welfare needs being addressed.

This operation follows similar rescues in April and August 2024, during which 28 Sri Lankans were brought home.

The Ministry has urged Sri Lankans seeking foreign employment to adhere strictly to authorized procedures and verify job opportunities through the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) to avoid falling prey to human trafficking schemes. Further information is available at SLBFE website or via the 24-hour hotline 1989.