BY Buddhika Samaraweera Courtesy The Morning

• Recent arrivals claim to have sold all interests in Myanmar with express intent of reaching Sri Lanka; security forces and intel agencies probing  

Statements from recently arrived Rohingya immigrants have revealed that they sold their property in Myanmar and left with the specific intention of reaching Sri Lanka, claims concerning which the relevant authorities, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have launched an investigation into, in the context of potential human trafficking and local involvement.

On the morning of 19 December 2024, a multi-day trawler carrying over 100 Rohingya asylum seekers drifted towards the coast off Mullivaikkal in Mullaitivu. They are currently being detained in detention centres, and provided with food and other facilities by the Government.

When queried by The Daily Morning on the Government’s plan with regard to the asylum seekers, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arun Hemachandra said that the Government is yet to make a final decision on the matter, adding that several aspects related to the issue are being considered. “We initially help them on a humanitarian basis. They are still being considered as illegal migrants. We should ensure their safety, and provide them with the basic facilities. The discussions on future action are ongoing with the relevant parties such as the Myanmar Embassy in Sri Lanka and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).”

He also said that statements recorded from the recently-arrived asylum seekers have revealed that they have sold their properties in Myanmar and left with the particular intention of reaching Sri Lanka. He noted that this is problematic. “Boarding a boat and arriving at an unspecified location is different from boarding a boat with the specific intention of reaching a particular destination. There, it raises a doubt as to whether this is something linked to human trafficking. Accordingly, the security forces and the intelligence agencies are investigating whether human trafficking is involved and if any local agents are leading or connected to such activities.”

Noting that the Government should consider several aspects such as diplomatic commitments, international laws, and national security, Hemachandra said that the Government is yet to decide on whether to retain the group of asylum seekers in question, or to deport them. “We are still investigating the matter. Until a final decision is made, it is our duty to provide this group with the necessary facilities. We have done it, and made them safe. However, making an essential intervention and allowing activities like human trafficking are two different things. We will consider all these and come to a final decision.”

The boat carrying the said group was escorted by the Navy to the Ashraf Jetty in the Trincomalee Harbour and landed in Trincomalee on 20 December 2024. The asylum seekers were initially cared for by public officers and non-governmental organisations and were hosted at the Jamalia School in Trincomalee. Subsequently, they were brought before the Trincomalee Magistrate. In Court, the refugees explained that they had come to Sri Lanka seeking asylum. The group was later shifted to the Mirihana detention centre, where they are currently staying.