The remaining 15 Sri Lankans, as per current information, were rescued from being forcefully held at the cybercrime camps in Mayawaddy in Western Thailand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed. 

The rescue was a coordinated effort between the Government of Thailand, Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in Bangkok and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Thailand Wijayanthi Edirisinghe received the group of rescued Sri Lankans from the Thai government officials at the Mae Sot District at the Thailand-Myanmar border, yesterday (6). Officials representing the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission were also present at the event.

The ministry stated that the rescue was a result of the continued discussion Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath held with Thailand Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Myanmar Foreign Minister U Than Swe.

Previously two groups of Sri Lankans were rescued from these cybercrime camps through the coordination of Governments of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar – 27 Sri Lankans were rescued on 17 December 2024 and another 14 on 18 March this year.  

Issuing a statement in this regard, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath expressed his gratitude for the support from the Governments of Thailand and Myanmar, coordination efforts of the Thai Embassy, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for providing transport facilities, and other Non-Governmental Organisations for all the welfare measures provided for the wellbeing and safety of the rescued Sri Lankans.