MP Sathiyalingam Urges President to End Arrests of Returning Refugees

15-Aug-2025

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A private discussion took place between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) MP Dr. Sathiyalingam.

This discussion was held after the meeting with the President on August 13 regarding the Mannar District issue.

During this conversation, it was mentioned that on the 12th of this month, 54-year-old Freeman Richard Velavantharam, who had returned from Madurai to Colombo on flight UL138 with the assistance of the UNHCR, was arrested upon arrival at the Colombo International Airport.

He was later announced to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.

Similarly, on the 6th of this month, a married couple arriving at Jaffna International Airport was also arrested.

These individuals had been living in the Mandapam refugee camp in Tamil Nadu since November 1996, and had been handed over to the airport crimes division for investigation regarding their illegal departure from the country.

Therefore, Sathiyalingam requested the President that such arrests of returning refugees should be stopped.

In response, the President said that he would immediately contact Minister Ananda Wijeyapala regarding the matter and that appropriate action would be taken for their release.

He also pointed out that such arrests occur due to the definitions in the country’s immigration and emigration law, and that action was being taken to amend those laws.