Sri Lankans Rescued from Scam Centers Head Home

COLOMBO (News 1st); Fifteen Sri Lankan nationals who were rescued from cyber scam operations in Myawaddy, Myanmar, are being formally received today (6) by officials from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Thailand at the Myanmar–Thailand border crossing in Mae Sot.

The victims, who had been sheltered for nearly two months following their rescue, are scheduled to be repatriated to Sri Lanka tomorrow (7).

Their return is being facilitated through the coordinated efforts of the Sri Lankan embassies in Yangon and Bangkok, with logistical and financial support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The IOM has provided flight tickets and ground transportation to ensure a safe and dignified return for the victims, who were reportedly trafficked and forced to work in illicit cybercrime operations.

Both Sri Lankan missions have been actively engaged in ensuring the victims’ safety, legal clearance, and reintegration support. 

Note: News 1st's Lakmal Kirindigala contributed to this report.