Sri Lanka, Aug. 19 -- UNHCR, the refugee agency of the United Nations, has temporarily suspended the process of facilitating the repatriation of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees apprehending arrest upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.

The repatriation of seven refugees from Tiruchi to Colombo on August 14, 2025, was called off in the last minute amid reports of at least four refugees being detained on charges of violating immigration laws on arrival in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan refugee remanded on return to Jaffna

According to official sources, Freeman Richard Velvavandram (54), whose return was facilitated by the UNHCR was arrested on arrival at the Colombo international airport on August 12, 2025. He was produced before a Judicial Magistrate and le...