A total of 126 Chinese nationals, including six women arrested for visa violations, were deported from Sri Lanka to China last night via Bandaranaike International Airport. A special flight from China was arranged to transport the group back to their home country.
The individuals were among 134 foreign nationals arrested on March 17, 2026, during a joint operation carried out by Sri Lanka Army intelligence units and the Department of Immigration and Emigration. The group included 126 Chinese nationals, along with four individuals from Myanmar and four Taiwanese nationals.
Authorities initially suspected links to a large-scale organised online scam network operating from guest houses in the Anuradhapura and Mihintale areas. The arrests followed a tip-off received by military intelligence, leading to coordinated raids at five locations. During the operation, officials seized laptops, mobile phones, and other technical equipment believed to have been used in the activities.
However, Police Spokesman F.U. Wootler stated that the arrests were made solely due to visa overstays. He noted that if evidence of involvement in online scams had been found, the Criminal Investigation Department would have launched further investigations. So far, inquiries have not revealed any connection to online fraud, but only immigration violations.
Officials from the Department of Immigration and Emigration accompanied the group on the special flight, while the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka assisted local authorities in facilitating the deportation process.
Meanwhile, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that the removal was carried out at the request of the Chinese government, with the approval of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
