Photo credit: Aljazeera
The authorities in Sri Lanka are considering the deportation of Rohingya refugees.
Sri Lanka Daily Mirror reports that Anada Wijepala Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs said the government was considering on deporting Rohingya refugees who recently arrived in Mullaitivu after following the legal process and discussions.
He said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in contact with the Myanmar government, and the list of names has already been shared with them. We will follow the legal process, engage in discussions with the Myanmar government, and at this point, are considering deporting them.”
On December 18, a multi-day trawler carrying 115 people from Rohingya drifted towards the coast of Mullivaikkal. It had 103 individuals seeking asylum alongside 12 persons who had initiated the journey.
After the refugees were arraigned before the Trincomalee Magistrate Court, the 12 individuals were remanded while the remaining refugees were ordered to be sent to the Mirihana Immigration Detention Centre. But they were later detained at the Air Force camp in Mullaitivu, where they continue to be held.
