Samagi Jana Balawega Colombo District Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahuman has called on the government not to deport the Rohingya refugees who were rescued from the Mullaitivu sea, stressing that such an action would be a stain on Sri Lanka’s reputation.
In a letter addressed to President Anura Dissanayake, Rahuman expressed his deep concern over the government’s decision to deport the 103 refugees, including more than 40 children, who fled Myanmar due to the ongoing war. These refugees were rescued on December 19, 2024, by local fishermen and are currently being held at the Mullaitivu Air Force Base.
The letter emphasizes the grave danger the refugees would face if returned to Myanmar, where they would be exposed to further violence and persecution. Rahuman pointed out that deporting them would violate the international principle of non-refoulement, which protects individuals from being returned to countries where they may face harm. Furthermore, he warned that sending them back to Myanmar would tarnish Sri Lanka’s image globally, especially since the country has a longstanding reputation for offering refuge to those in need.
Rahuman reminded the President of his commitment to healing the country and bringing an end to ethnic conflict, urging him not to put these refugees at further risk. Drawing from Sri Lanka’s history of sheltering the oppressed, he appealed to the President to show the world that Sri Lanka continues to uphold human rights by ensuring the safety of these refugees.
The full letter from Mujibur Rahuman to President Anura Dissanayake is as follows:
Excellency the President,
I write to you with a humble request to reconsider the government’s decision to deport the Rohingya war orphans currently in Sri Lanka.
The decision to deport the refugees who were rescued from the Mullaitivu sea by local fishermen on December 19, 2024, and who are now being held at the Mullaitivu Air Force Base, has caused great distress among us. These 103 people, including over 40 children, have fled Myanmar due to the fear of war and persecution, hoping to seek political asylum in a safe country.
It has come to our attention that the government plans to send them back to Myanmar, and that their names have already been provided to the Myanmar authorities. We strongly believe that deporting these individuals will not only endanger their lives but also put the lives of their families and friends back in Myanmar at further risk. Furthermore, this action violates the international legal principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to a country where they are at risk of harm.
Sending these refugees back to Myanmar would damage Sri Lanka’s standing in the global community. The country would be seen as disregarding its responsibility to offer refuge to those fleeing violence, and this would tarnish Sri Lanka’s international reputation.
As the leader of a party that has endured decades of state repression, you are acutely aware of the pain caused by such actions. It is not fitting for you, the Head of State, to endanger these individuals who are already victims of a brutal conflict. As a country that has long been known for its hospitality and commitment to human rights, Sri Lanka should show the world that it continues to protect the helpless and uphold these values.
I urge you to reconsider the deportation and to seek a solution that ensures the safety of these refugees until they can be resettled in a country where their security is guaranteed. This action will not only demonstrate Sri Lanka’s humanitarian spirit but also gain the support of the international community and the opposition.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Mujibur Rahuman
Colombo District Parliamentarian
Samagi Jana Balawega
Rahuman concluded the letter by expressing confidence that the government would receive international support for such an action, as well as backing from the opposition.
