Today, opposition parliamentarians Wasantha Yapabandara, J.C. Alavathuwala, and Sujith Sanjay Perera departed from Bandaranaike Airport at 1:10 am for Myanmar and Russia, aiming to address urgent issues facing Sri Lankan nationals abroad.
Mr. Yapabandara expressed the opposition’s commitment to this crucial mission, driven by the directives of Honorable Opposition Leader Mr. Sajith Premadasa. The focus is on rescuing 49 young Sri Lankans detained in Myanmar and addressing the plight of Sri Lankan soldiers caught in the conflict in Russia.
“We have tirelessly advocated for the repatriation of these individuals over the past four months,” Mr. Yapabandara stated, emphasizing the opposition’s proactive stance. Drawing from international experiences, the opposition aims to collaborate with relevant authorities to expedite the return of these citizens.
The delegation will travel to Bangkok and then proceed to Yangon, Myanmar, engaging with local and international organizations to address human trafficking concerns and facilitate the repatriation process.
“We believe in taking practical steps beyond rhetoric,” Mr. Yapabandara asserted, highlighting the opposition’s resolve to alleviate the suffering of those affected.
Furthermore, the delegation intends to convey messages from the Opposition Leader and religious leaders to the respective countries, urging swift action.
In response to queries about the detained individuals, Mr Yapabandara clarified that they were not soldiers but young professionals with expertise in computer science, subjected to unjust detention and mistreatment.
He underscored the opposition’s unwavering commitment to securing the safe return of these individuals, acknowledging the challenges posed by diplomatic negotiations.
Despite expressing gratitude to the Foreign Minister for his attention to their concerns, Mr Yapabandara emphasized the opposition’s primary role in championing this cause and initiating concrete actions.
The delegation remains hopeful that their efforts will yield positive outcomes, relieving the affected individuals and their families.
