Sri Lanka seeks stronger regional cooperation on transnational crimes

Colombo, January 28 (Daily Mirror) - Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe held discussions with Co-Manager – Australia, Regional Support Office of Bali Process (RSO), David Scott and senior officials of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons, and Related Transnational Crime. 

The discussions focused on addressing key challenges related to irregular migration, people smuggling, human trafficking and other transnational crimes, including the ongoing cyber scam crisis in Southeast Asia.

During the meeting, Ambassador Edirisinghe stressed the urgency of strengthening regional collaboration to combat these growing threats. She pointed to the increasing dangers posed by cyber scam centers and cross-border criminal networks, urging for a coordinated and unified response from Bali Process member states.

David Scott provided an overview of the RSO's ongoing efforts in the region and highlighted the close cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Bali Process on various initiatives. 

The Ambassador expressed her appreciation for this partnership and called for expanded technical support, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building to better address emerging challenges.

Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Bali Process and its members to develop comprehensive strategies aimed at curbing irregular migration, people smuggling and human trafficking, while ensuring a safer and more secure region for all.