Sri Lankans abducted in Ethiopia rescued

Three Sri Lankans who were abducted while in Ethiopia for employment or other purposes have been successfully rescued following a joint special operation, international media reports say.

The abductors had demanded a ransom of USD 90,000 for their release. Ethiopian security forces have arrested six suspects in connection with the incident, including two Ethiopian nationals and four Pakistani nationals.

The operation was carried out by Ethiopian security forces in coordination with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Addis Ababa.

Responding to media inquiries, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Thushara Rodrigo confirmed that the abducted Sri Lankans had been safely rescued. However, he said they have not yet been brought back to Sri Lanka and are currently safe in Ethiopia.

He further added that the remaining diplomatic procedures required to repatriate them are now being coordinated through the ministry and are expected to be completed soon.