A startling revelation emerged in Parliament when Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala announced that over 100,000 (one lakh) illegal immigrants could potentially arrive in Sri Lanka in the coming days. This information, he explained, stems from investigations conducted by the Sri Lanka Police and the Army Intelligence Unit following the recent arrival of a group of Rohingya refugees on the island.
According to Minister Wijepala, the Sri Lankan government acknowledges that illegal immigration has become a significant social issue, pointing to the case of 116 Rohingya refugees who recently reached Sri Lankan shores by boat. The Minister revealed that these refugees collectively paid approximately 80 million to human traffickers for the perilous journey—an indication of the organised criminal networks involved in facilitating such migration. He added that a police investigation is already underway to uncover the specifics of this operation and to determine any potential links to larger trafficking rings.
“If illegal immigrants are identified as refugees, we will take appropriate steps in accordance with international law,” Minister Wijepala stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to adhering to global standards for refugee protection. He also noted that the Department of Immigration and Emigration has been providing essential aid, including food and water, to the new arrivals.
Minister Wijepala made these remarks while responding to a query raised by Opposition Member of Parliament Rauff Hakeem regarding the Rohingya refugees from Myanmar who were rescued near the Mullaitivu coast on December 19, 2024. The Minister underscored that no final determination has been made on their legal status; if they qualify as refugees, Sri Lanka will fulfill its obligations under international agreements. However, the influx of such a large number of illegal immigrants poses broader challenges for the country, calling for enhanced vigilance by security forces and relevant authorities.
