Tue, 19 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Refugees become refugees again in Sri Lanka

9 May 2019 12:00 am - 28     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Aida Panahi was in her mother’s belly when her parents fled their home in Afghanistan as the situation in the country was going from bad to worse

There was a collective anguish over helplessness and isolation inside the garage of a police station in Negombo, Sri Lanka where dozens of asylum seekers and refugees, having fled Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Yemen, were staying for 17 days fearing retaliation for the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Refugees and asylum seekers are ordinary people facing extraordinary hardships. Their journeys made covering thousands of miles across deserts and seas are not normal. Many refugees experience struggles as they are forced to flee their homelands. They leave family members behind and go in search of greener pastures. They have lost their shelters without gaining another; alienated from one without being able to assimilate in another.

As the burials of those who perished in the suicide bomb attack in St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya, Negombo started on April 22, a group of disturbed people forced the refugees and asylum seekers, who are under the watch of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), to leave their houses. Most of the refugees are part of the Ahmadiyya minority and include Christians and Shia Muslims. 

They are at present staying at several temporary locations – including in the garage of a police station.


  • They have been staying in the garage of negombo police station for 17 days
  • Refugees are not terrorists. They are often the first victims of terrorism
  • There are close to one million Sri Lankans living in many countries around the world as refugees

Taking a glance at the refugee crisis

The past decade has seen the largest number of people forcibly displaced as a result of conflict, violence, or persecution since the Second World War. With the most recent numbers reaching 68.5 million, the global refugee crisis is indeed one of the most devastating events in recent history.

UNHCR estimates that 5.2 million people were newly displaced in the first half of 2018 and that there are 20.2 million refugees and 3.2 million asylum seekers across the world as of 2018. 

Although Sri Lanka is not a large place for asylum seekers and refugees, it still has many refugees who struggle to live under these conditions. According to the UN, at present there are 844 refugees and 826 asylum seekers awaiting the determination of their claims in Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka legally unbound, yet morally bound

Refugee Advocates and Human Rights Lawyers opine that Sri Lanka isn’t bound to accommodate and provide assistance to these people since the country hasn’t signed the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951 nor its 1967 Protocol. Other than Afghanistan, none of the South Asian countries has signed the UN either 1951 Convention nor the 1967 Protocol.   

The Department of Immigration and Emigration signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UNHCR in 2006 regarding the migrants’ issue. The UN is intervening into the subject based on the MoU.   As per the Government’s agreement with UNHCR, they are granted space in which to reside until UNHCR processes their asylum claims which can take between one and a half to two years.

However, rights activists point out that because Sri Lanka is a country which has been a beneficiary of the UN on a large scale, it has a moral obligation towards assisting less fortunate people of other countries when there is a need.

Asylum seekers from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran stay inside negombo police station for safety

Seeking asylum in Sri Lanka

These refugees and asylum seekers have no official legal status and are therefore unable to find employment during their stay in Sri Lanka. Those who received the ‘refugee’ status are provided with a living allowance by UNHCR for their basic needs. However, asylum seekers have to rely on the support of non-governmental organizations to meet their basic needs.

The children of refugees and asylum seekers also have limited access to education. Even if they want to send their children to private schools in Sri Lanka, they cannot afford them. Only if they receive any donations and financial support from NGOs, can they  provide the children with education. The lack of access to employment also makes them rely on charities available or sell their belongings. 

Refugees become refugees again 

While UNHCR was still trying to cease efforts to relocate them to a safer place amidst protests from local communities, President Maithripala Sirisena sought international assistance to remove Afghan and Pakistani refugees from Sri Lanka. Speaking to diplomats based in Colombo on Tuesday, the President said that given the current situation in the country he is unable to ensure the security of the refugees and asylum seekers. 

“There have been here for several years. The UN has taken care of their security. They have also taken care of their needs and informed us about their security. With the current security situation in the country we are unable to take care of these people,” he said, according to news reports.

Following are a few stories of asylum seekers in Sri Lanka. While every refugee’s story is different and their anguish personal, they all share a common thread of uncommon courage the courage not only to survive, but to persevere and rebuild their shattered lives. 

These refugees and asylum seekers have no official legal status and are therefore unable to find employment during their stay in Sri Lanka. Those who received the ‘refugee’ status are provided with a living allowance by UNHCR

Aida Panahi - Afghanistan

Aida Panahi was in her mother’s belly when her parents fled their home in Afghanistan as the situation in the country was going from bad to worse. 

“I was born in Iran where my parents were seeking asylum for almost nine years. Iran didn’t accept us. I could not go to school because we were not allowed.  I was nine years old when we left Iran. The last thing I remember of Iran, before we left, was when my mother was taking me from our place to the grandmother’s place with just one baggage. We left many of our belongings there. With faded hopes in Iran, we made it to Sri Lanka in 2015. I had never heard of a country called Sri Lanka before I came here. We have been living in Sri Lanka for four years without any problem. I have made many Sri Lankan friends. I was shocked when I heard the number of people who had died in the bomb blasts on Easter Sunday. We have been in that situation where we fear terrorism. I can imagine what they must have gone through. 

“We have been staying in this garage at this police station for more than two weeks now. We eat and sleep here. We use toilets and bathrooms at the police station. With all these hardships we go through, I want to ask people what we have done wrong to get treated in this manner. We as refugees always wish for something that we would never get. 

“I have dreams about my future. But, I am afraid I would be traveling all my life from one country to another because no country seems to be welcoming us. I want to be an influential character and save my people from danger. I aspire to be a person who makes a country proud and appreciative. I want to rebuild my life and realise my dreams,” she said. 

Aida had a difficult time talking about her journey. She often stopped to rub her face with her hands and take a deep breath. She said that so many uncertainties were coming in the way of her hopes and dreams.

Raja Kamran - Kashmir

As a Kashmiri, who did much volunteer work for his community as a youth political activist, Raja was forced to flee his homeland Azad Kashmir on 22nd of January 2018 because of death threats. He along with his wife entered Sri Lanka using the visa-on-arrival facility, which allows a 30-day stay with the possibility of extension, which was designed to promote tourism. Then, they were still seeking asylum.

“I have been arrested by the Pakistani Army over false charges. I have even been threatened by Muslim fundamentalist groups in Pakistan as I am against Jihads. The last three years of my life were very difficult because I have been tortured by authorities several times. As a prominent Kashmiri political activist, it was unthinkable for me to relocate without getting the attention of extremist Muslims. My wife begged me to leave as several Kashmiri activists who were against Pakistan Army and pro-jihad elemants in Kashmir had already faced brutal beatings and were even murdered. To save my family from persecution and my own life, we sought refugee status in Sri Lanka. I have been living in a rented house in Negombo with my wife and our three year old son was enjoying peace of mind until April 21, 2019. We were attacked with stones by angry mobs who gave us twenty minutes to leave our houses. Just because ISIS claimed the responsibility for the bombings in Sri Lanka, why do all Muslims have to suffer?”asked Raja. 

Although the refugees are getting some monthly allowance from the UNHCR for them to manage during their stay in Sri Lanka, asylum seekers like Raja are not receiving any financial assistance from the UNHCR and mostly depend on the support of donors for their survival.

Sadia Faqir - Pakistan

On her mind that day, in January, 2018, the decision was immediate. The next home, safe shelter, sleep without fear – clamoured for her attention, but the situation at her home was so bad that she had to leave her country, Pakistan. Sadia, a Muslim girl fell in love with a Christian man in Pakistan, an act which made her family so angry. 

“It was not my choice to leave my motherland. All I wanted was safety for our lives and to raise our children in a safer country and have a better future. When I had my baby here, I received Rs. 5000 for six months from the UNHCR. It was not enough to cover even accommodation and food in Sri Lanka. Asylum seekers like us don’t receive any allowance and are left to fend for ourselves. Few religious groups and NGOs have been supporting us. But it is not adequate. We barely survive, with no possibility to be employed legally, struggling to pay for a room to stay in, find food to eat and unable to send children to school.”

She says she would not want to return, not under the current circumstances.

No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark. Refugees are not terrorists. They are often the first victims of terrorism. Although a group of angry and emotional people in Negombo acted in that manner, peace-loving Sri Lankans might not approve such violent acts against a group of people who has fled ‘home’ to escape violence, war and persecution. 

There are close to one million Sri Lankans living in many countries around the world as refugees. However, Sri Lanka is also a poor country, where many social, political and economic issues remain unaddressed. With the recent breakdown of national security in the country, the safety of Sri Lankans themselves is very important.


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 28

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Raja Senanayake Thursday, 09 May 2019 06:57 AM

    Let us not harass these poor people who are already persecuted. We Sri Lankans are a kind and gentle people owing to our Buddhist beliefs. Let us keep our reputation. Don't be carried away by alarmists. Let us protect these poor people. We are not so poor as not to look after them.

    Anu Thursday, 09 May 2019 08:49 AM

    Sorry to hear these stories. However, time has come to open your eyes.

    chamila Asanka Thursday, 09 May 2019 08:58 AM

    It is so hard to think how they live in Sri Lanka with current situation. Hope, all the people understand that we all are humans who need each other to survive in this world. Seeing these children I always remember my child. What wrong they did to the world?

    Upula Thursday, 09 May 2019 09:24 AM

    Pease help these people. We are Buddhists. We have compassion

    ANTON Thursday, 09 May 2019 10:01 AM

    Even though my 300 Chirstian brothers and sisters were killed, I feel sorry for these people as I have realized that ALL THE MUSLIMS ARE NOT TERRORISTS.

    ANTON Thursday, 09 May 2019 10:03 AM

    WHAT A FATE !!

    Amara Thursday, 09 May 2019 10:57 AM

    Just look at those innocent faces. If you still have no compassion towards them, then you are not human.

    JK Hatton Thursday, 09 May 2019 11:01 AM

    While helping them teach them that their fate has gotten worse because of the act performed by their brothers

    kumar Thursday, 09 May 2019 12:51 PM

    Most of these people were chased out by Islamic terrorists in their country. We should not harass them.

    SN Thursday, 09 May 2019 01:28 PM

    Blunders done by the Dirty Brothers who created it. Russia

    Shantha Perera Thursday, 09 May 2019 03:30 PM

    Let us make these people tol be assets in Sri Lanka. Look at their children who are happy even under these circumstances

    Ishan Perera Thursday, 09 May 2019 04:09 PM

    Open your eyes at least now. These people should be seeking refuge in a developed Muslim country, not a majority of Buddhist country. Muslim leaders are bringing them into Sri Lanka with a future plan. Our emotional fools are supporting for their plan.

    sharm warn Thursday, 09 May 2019 04:25 PM

    So Sri Lanka is suitable for refugees, a safe haven for them, and not for the natives. despite the unsecured situation prevailing, Sri Lankans are supposed to protect these foreign refugees?

    thewayback Thursday, 09 May 2019 04:40 PM

    Some of these genuine people deserve a chance to feel belonged in this country and become great citizens.

    Ice Thursday, 09 May 2019 05:23 PM

    May the God look upon them and bless them; lead them for a better and safe living.

    thomas fonseka Thursday, 09 May 2019 05:38 PM

    Most of them are MUSLIMS why can't they be accomodated in eg. malasia, Indonesia, bangladeshetc. After all pakistan has a legal duty to look after their citizens irrespective of the religion

    Pradeep Athukorala Thursday, 09 May 2019 07:35 PM

    We should treat these people with kindness and compassion. That is our true culture and what we inherit as Buddhists. Issues related to security is a separate matter, which is a direct result of our in-capable and dirty politicians.

    janaka Thursday, 09 May 2019 07:58 PM

    The key part of this article is '..they are granted space in which to reside Until UNHCR processes their asylum claims which can take between one and a half years to 2 years '' SO HOW COME THESE PEOPLE ARE STILL IN SRI LANKA EVEN AFTER 5 YEARS ?

    Sri Lankan Friday, 10 May 2019 03:03 PM

    Cant we set up a helping line to collect money to help them initially? The countries that are bond to accept refugees should process their application in SL, God Bless them all.

    Anjali pereta Sunday, 12 May 2019 11:38 PM

    Beginning is very innocent and poor,but finishing is very dangerous

    Rod Lye Monday, 13 May 2019 01:07 AM

    Can someone open a special fund for these poor refugees and advertise the details in the newspapers so that the good people of Sri Lanka can make donations so that these displaced people could get some relief

    Sumangala Monday, 13 May 2019 05:23 PM

    This thing about we are Buddhist and we are kind is self-patronising, especially when our Christian brothers and priests have shown this to the world, it was quite different in 83 and with BBS and also with a candidate which these people are eager to empower.

    Chanuka Tuesday, 14 May 2019 01:53 AM

    I see several Muslims commenting here pretending to be Buddhists.Hilarious

    Aru Tuesday, 14 May 2019 09:38 AM

    They are refugees and will remain refugees until they are sent to another country. We already have problems huge of our own and cannot be expected to solve refugee crises of other countries. To me, it looks as if the UNHCR is not interested in solving thei problem and that is the reason for their dragging their feet. This is a clear case of taking advantage of Sri Lankan sympathy.

    Eramudu Dias Tuesday, 14 May 2019 05:00 PM

    The article says the MOU between the UN and the GOSL is for temprary residence till the UN process them in max 2 years....and how many years have gone by? who is to blame? is it not the UN? UN officers are some of the best paid and most useless in the world ...quite like politicians around the world.

    Dawson Wednesday, 15 May 2019 07:00 PM

    "People should help people without Hesitate,or Looking @ Religion,color

    Lal.Fernando Friday, 17 May 2019 07:44 AM

    As human beings have some feelings for these innocent people.Put ourselves into their position.

    aaaa Friday, 17 May 2019 03:10 PM

    we all became refugees send back other countries refugees back to their countries


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H

Will the Mannar wind power project kill ecological treasures?

In February 2023, Adani Green Energy (Sri Lanka) Ltd was given provisional ap