The Rohingya refugees from Myanmar represent a significant global issue. Referring to them as irregular migrants highlights the need for a humanitarian perspective, as emphasised by the United Nations. Although the Rohingya crisis has primarily been a concern in Myanmar, Sri Lanka is now compelled to consider this issue as well. Recent events have focused on the Sri Lankan government’s steps regarding this situation. Some Rohingya refugees were involved in an accident off the coast of Mullaitivu, from which the navy rescued them.
Who are the Rohingya?
A refugee camp has been established for them, which has sparked considerable debate. The Rohingya people in Myanmar are a Muslim minority originating from Bangladesh. They face numerous challenges related to citizenship within Myanmar and are subjected to various forms of oppression.
The Myanmar government claims that the Rohingya commit various acts of harassment against Buddhists, leading to an unresolved conflict. The result of this ongoing struggle is continuous suffering for the Rohingya, which has escalated into a migration crisis. In 2017, significant violence prompted millions to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh, with a smaller number seeking refuge in other countries, including Sri Lanka.
It is crucial to address this issue from a humanitarian perspective. Some countries have policies aimed at forcibly repatriating these refugees to Myanmar. The Sri Lankan government believes it should adopt a balanced policy regarding the Rohingya.
Meanwhile, opposition parliamentarian Mujibur Rahuman has expressed in a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that forcibly repatriating these refugees against their will could lead to complications for the country and would endanger the lives of the refugees and their families.
He emphasises the importance of acting according to international principles during this process. However, Sri Lanka is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, and there are currently no laws or mechanisms for granting refugees permanent residency. Nevertheless, there is a potential for temporary care over the coming years, allowing Sri Lanka to adopt a balanced approach to handling such issues.
A Threat of Hundreds of Thousands of Rohingya Arriving
Recent discussions about Rohingya refugees intensified following remarks made by Minister of Public Security Anand Wijepala in Parliament, where he stated that Sri Lanka is facing the risk of receiving around a hundred thousand illegal migrants.
His statement was based on intelligence reports. He revealed that 116 Rohingya have already arrived, having paid for their journey. After their boat was brought to Trincomalee by the navy, 103 individuals were transferred to a detention facility at the Mullaitivu Air Force Base under court orders.
Additionally, the minister noted that these migrants reportedly paid around 800,000 Kyats (Myanmar currency) to smugglers for their journey. According to intelligence reports, it has been identified that many more illegal migrants are expected to arrive in the coming days, with the minister indicating that this is evolving into a serious social issue.
Debate on Illegal Migrants
A further group of Rohingya refugees is expected to arrive in late December. There is a concern regarding these individuals, who are caught in transit to another country, and whether they genuinely constitute a refugee group. Attention must also be paid to the possibility of extremist factions in Sri Lanka being involved behind the scenes. The first to welcome these migrants was Minister Rishad Baduideen, which may be considered a somewhat unusual circumstance.
Pressure Not to Deport Refugees
Several protests have also taken place in Colombo and Mullaitivu, urging the Sri Lankan government not to deport Rohingya refugees currently detained in the country. Civil society representatives and human rights activists organised these demonstrations, emphasising their unwillingness to see Sri Lanka become a hub for international refugees. They insisted that actions regarding those currently in a refugee situation must align with international human rights and refugee laws.
A Cause for Concern?
Another troubling revelation is the presence of a significant population near the Wilpattu National Park, particularly notable for being unable to communicate in Sinhala, Tamil, or English. In a case against Rishad Baduideen related to Wilpattu, it emerged that an ethnic group residing in the area could not speak any of the three languages common in Sri Lanka.
It is generally expected that individuals in Sri Lanka can speak at least one of these languages. Failure to do so raises suspicions about their origins. Analysts believe there might be a significant number of individuals who have entered illegally residing in this area, with political backing potentially aiding this unlawful settlement and raising concerns about identifying migrants or clandestinely imported groups within the region. Any government’s absence of formal investigations into this issue remains a significant concern.
Providing Care for Refugees: A Challenge for Sri Lanka
If hundreds of thousands arrive, it would pose an insurmountable burden for Sri Lanka, primarily due to the lack of economic capacity to support such an influx. The government is already facing severe challenges related to feeding its citizens.
Maintaining a large refugee population under such circumstances is unfeasible. Moreover, many countries do not have lenient policies towards the Rohingya. Sri Lanka is emerging as a drug trafficking hub in Southeast Asia.
This scenario can escalate the issue significantly if illegal migrants escape scrutiny and disguise themselves as refugees. While there is no dispute over the need to treat Rohingya migrants humanely, facilitating their care poses logistical problems.
Furthermore, it could generate numerous additional issues within society. The population may not welcome the formation of a troubled social landscape, and society expresses concern that the current generation bears the burden of historical wrongs.
