Suspect brings Malagasy women to Sri Lanka, allegedly forced into prostitution

By Bhagya Silva   

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama yesterday ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to submit a detailed report regarding allegations that women from Madagascar had been deceived and brought to Sri Lanka, where they were allegedly forced into prostitution.   
The Malagasy woman suspect was remanded till October 23. She is accused of bringing other women from Madagascar to Sri Lanka and forcing them into prostitution without valid visas for nearly one and a half years.   
Investigations have revealed that the suspect had lured women from Madagascar to Sri Lanka, promising employment opportunities and subsequently coerced them into prostitution. The probe follows a complaint lodged by several Malagasy women who claimed to have been victimized.   
The CID informed the court that the affected Malagasy women, who have also complained to the Ministry of Defence, have requested permission to return to their home country.   
After considering the submissions, the Chief Magistrate directed the police to explore the possibility of recording the victims’ testimony via Zoom technology.   
Counsel appearing for the suspect informed the court that his client was willing to plead guilty to the charge of remaining in Sri Lanka without a valid visa.   
Police told the court that further investigations are being conducted regarding the suspect’s alleged involvement in human trafficking and that instructions from the Attorney General’s Department would be sought in due course.