Press Releases
15 Sri Lankans Rescued from Cybercrime Centres in Myawaddy, Myanmar to be Repatriated on 07 May 2025
Strengthening Post-Disaster Recovery Cooperation: Ambassador of Thailand Meets Executive Director of ADPC
The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to Thailand, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe had a meeting with Mr. Aslam Perwaiz, Executive Director of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) at the ADPC premises, to discuss continued cooperation in post-disaster recovery and long-term resilience building in Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. During the meeting, H.E. the Ambassador expressed
her sincere appreciation for the timely technical and monetary assistance extended by ADPC in response to the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread damage across several parts of Sri Lanka. In this regard, the Ambassador formally handed over a Letter of Acknowledgement from Hon. H M Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign
Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka to the Executive Director of ADPC, conveying the Government of Sri Lanka’s appreciation for ADPC’s support and solidarity.
Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok Formally Commences Official Duties for the Year 2026
The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, Thailand ceremonially commenced work for the year 2026 on 02 January, in keeping with government directives on the commencement of duties of public institutions for the New Year.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, in close coordination with the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Thailand and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Myanmar, has successfully facilitated the rescue of 15 Sri Lankan nationals who had been trafficked and forcibly employed in cybercrime centres in Myawaddy, Myanmar on 06th May 2025. The rescued individuals are scheduled to be repatriated to Sri Lanka on 07 May 2025.
This significant achievement is the result of long-standing and persistent diplomatic engagement, particularly with Thai authorities, through the Sri Lanka Embassy in Thailand. The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe and officials of the Embassy, crossed the border checkpoint into Myanmar and met with Saw Tun Aung, Minister of Social Affairs of the Kayin State Government, and the Deputy Superintendent of Myawaddy Immigration, ensuring a smooth repatriation process for the affected Sri Lankans.
This development follows sustained diplomatic efforts made by Sri Lanka including recent telephone conversations with the Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, U Than Swe, on 3 February 2024, and Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maris Sangiampongsa, on 13 February 2025 by Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Minister, Vijitha Herath. In both engagements, Minister Herath emphasized the need for urgent assistance for the rescue and repatriation of the trafficked Sri Lankan nationals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism extends its sincere appreciation to the Governments of Thailand and Myanmar for their invaluable cooperation in this humanitarian effort. The Ministry also gratefully acknowledges the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for providing essential support, including international air passage and internal transportation for the rescued individuals.
The Ministry once again urges the public to remain vigilant against human trafficking and unscrupulous foreign employment schemes. Sri Lankans are strongly advised to secure overseas employment only through government-approved channels and to verify opportunities with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).
Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
06.05.2025
Strengthening Post-Disaster Recovery Cooperation: Ambassador of Thailand Meets Executive Director of ADPC
The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to Thailand, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe had a meeting with Mr. Aslam Perwaiz, Executive Director of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) at the ADPC premises, to discuss continued cooperation in post-disaster recovery and long-term resilience building in Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. During the meeting, H.E. the Ambassador expressed
her sincere appreciation for the timely technical and monetary assistance extended by ADPC in response to the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread damage across several parts of Sri Lanka. In this regard, the Ambassador formally handed over a Letter of Acknowledgement from Hon. H M Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign
Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka to the Executive Director of ADPC, conveying the Government of Sri Lanka’s appreciation for ADPC’s support and solidarity.
Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok Formally Commences Official Duties for the Year 2026
The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, Thailand ceremonially commenced work for the year 2026 on 02 January, in keeping with government directives on the commencement of duties of public institutions for the New Year.