According to informed sources, the military government in Myanmar has cited challenges in rescuing 48 Sri Lankans held captive by cybercrime operators in the Myawaddy area, which is under the control of ethnic armed groups.
Out of the total 56 Sri Lankan victims of cybercrimes, eight have been rescued. Presently, paperwork is in progress to repatriate them to Sri Lanka via Thailand due to the difficulties in transporting them by road from Myawaddy to Yangon for their return journey.
However, the rescue operation for the remaining 48 Sri Lankans has become challenging, as indicated by the military government of Myanmar. The source familiar with the process mentioned that such a rescue effort may require a military operation, potentially endangering the lives of those involved.
Consequently, the military government has requested additional time to devise a strategic approach for their rescue.
The Sri Lankan government has pursued all diplomatic channels to engage with Myanmar authorities. This includes a special diplomatic note from President Ranil Wickremesinghe to Myanmar Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, urging prompt assistance for the release of the captives.
Furthermore, numerous other Sri Lankans engaged in illicit activities in the cybercrime region have shown reluctance to return to Sri Lanka. However, the exact number of such individuals remains uncertain at this time.
