Three Sri Lankan nationals who were reported missing and were held for ransom in Ethiopia have been rescued by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Addis Ababa in coordination with relevant government agencies.  The rescue was carried out on 6 June through a direct coordinated operation led by the Police Commission of Addis Ababa, Oromia, Hawasa and Sheshamane Police Stations, along with the Federal Police Commission of Ethiopia, in close cooperation with the Sri Lankan authorities.

The three individuals had arrived at Bole International Airport on 24 May to travel to Europe or North America illegally and have been uncontactable. Following their disappearance, their families in Sri Lanka had received communications demanding a ransom of USD 30,000 per individual for their safe return. Immediately upon notification by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Addis Ababa, a comprehensive joint investigation was launched by the Addis Ababa Police Commission and the Federal Police Commission of Ethiopia, in close coordination with the Embassy of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. In parallel, the Criminal Investigation Department of Sri Lanka targeted the network’s local facilitators based in Sri Lanka.

The Embassy extends its appreciation to the Ethiopian Police authorities and other government agencies of Ethiopia for their dedicated efforts in ensuring the safe rescue of the three Sri Lankan nationals.

The Embassy strongly urges all Sri Lankan nationals to remain vigilant regarding human trafficking and smuggling networks. The Embassy advices Sri Lankans against engaging with unauthorized agents offering irregular overseas travel arrangements or transit routes, as such activities pose serious risks to personal safety exploitation and may result in severe legal consequences.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Addis Ababa

17 June 2026