Letter sent by Rishad MP to the President with regard to the Rohingya Refugees!

Letter sent by Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen M.P, Leader of All Ceylon Makkal Congress to H.E. the President with regard to the Rohingya Refugees.

Your Excellency,

This is to inform you with grave concern regarding the decision to repatriate the Rohingya refugees currently seeking asylum in Sri Lanka. It is my firm belief that we must adhere to international humanitarian principles and consider the well-being of these individuals who have fled persecution in their homeland.

The Rohingya people, as you are aware, have sought refuge in our country due to severe violence and oppression in Myanmar. They have come to Sri Lanka not as economic migrants, but out of genuine fear for their lives. The international community, including the United Nations, recognizes the plight of these individuals, and it is incumbent upon us as a nation that values human rights and dignity to offer them protection during their time of vulnerability.

We must ensure that our actions align with international laws and conventions on refugees, which emphasize the principle of non-refoulement โ€“ the prohibition of sending individuals back to places where they face threats to their lives or freedom. By upholding this principle, Sri Lanka will not only protect the rights of these vulnerable individuals but also demonstrate its commitment to international humanitarian standards.

Historically, Sri Lanka has been a land of refuge for those fleeing persecution. Many Sri Lankans have themselves lived as refugees in other countries during times of conflict. It is critical to remember that the current situation of the Rohingya refugees mirrors the struggles we have faced as a nation in the past. In light of this, I urge you to reconsider the decision to forcibly return these people to Myanmar, where their safety and human rights are still at risk.

I kindly request that these refugees be treated with respect and dignity while they remain in Sri Lanka. They should not be treated as prisoners but as people in need of our compassion and support. Furthermore, it would be appropriate to collaborate with the United Nations to identify a suitable third country where these refugees can resettle, with their consent, once it is deemed safe for them.

Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely,
Rishad Bathiudeen M.P, Leader – All Ceylon Makkal Congressย