ADDIS ABABA : Three Sri Lankan nationals who were reported missing and were held for ransom in Ethiopia
have been rescued by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Addis Ababa in coordination with relevant
government agencies. The rescue was carried out on 6 June through a direct coordinated
operation led by the Police Commission of Addis Ababa, Oromia, Hawasa and Sheshamane
Police Stations, along with the Federal Police Commission of Ethiopia, in close cooperation
with the Sri Lankan authorities.
The three individuals had arrived at Bole International Airport on 24 May to travel to Europe
or North America illegally and have been uncontactable. Following their disappearance, their
families in Sri Lanka had received communications demanding a ransom of USD 30,000 per
individual for their safe return. Immediately upon notification by the Embassy of Sri Lanka
in Addis Ababa, a comprehensive joint investigation was launched by the Addis Ababa Police
Commission and the Federal Police Commission of Ethiopia, in close coordination with the
Embassy of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. In parallel, the
Criminal Investigation Department of Sri Lanka targeted the network’s local facilitators based
in Sri Lanka.
The Embassy extends its appreciation to the Ethiopian Police authorities and other
government agencies of Ethiopia for their dedicated efforts in ensuring the safe rescue of the
three Sri Lankan nationals.
The Embassy strongly urges all Sri Lankan nationals to remain vigilant regarding human
trafficking and smuggling networks. The Embassy advises Sri Lankans against engaging with
unauthorized agents offering irregular overseas travel arrangements or transit routes, as such
activities pose serious risks to personal safety exploitation and may result in severe legal
consequences.
June 18, 2026
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