Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has warned that Sri Lanka could see the arrival of over one hundred thousand illegal immigrants in the coming days. The Minister made this revelation during a parliamentary debate held earlier today (08), highlighting a concerning issue that could have far-reaching implications for the country.
Minister Wijepala stated that intelligence agencies have provided reports regarding the anticipated influx of illegal immigrants. He also disclosed details of an ongoing investigation into the arrival of 116 illegal immigrants from Myanmar. According to the Minister, these individuals reportedly paid significant sums, amounting to approximately 50 million in the local currency, to join this migration movement. Furthermore, an additional 80 million is believed to have been paid to organizers facilitating their journey.
The Minister emphasized that if the individuals are identified as refugees, Sri Lanka intends to act in accordance with international law. He assured that necessary provisions, including food and shelter, have already been arranged through the Department of Immigration and Emigration. These efforts aim to ensure humane treatment while adhering to legal obligations.
However, Minister Wijepala expressed concerns about the broader social implications of the expected arrivals. “This is recognized as a social problem in our country,” he noted, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Ongoing investigations by the police and intelligence agencies aim to mitigate the impact and address the challenges posed by this development.
