A 23-year-old SriLankan Airlines cabin crew member has been arrested by police in Japan over an alleged theft from a shopping complex near Narita International Airport, according to reports.
The woman, a resident of the Dehiwala area, was staying at a hotel near the airport with other crew members when the incident is said to have occurred.
Reports say she went alone to the Aeon shopping complex. Staff became suspicious that several items had been taken, checked security camera footage and informed Japanese police.
Some media reports say the items included onigiri, a popular Japanese rice snack. These details have not been confirmed by an official source.
Japanese police are investigating, and the crew member is reported to be in legal custody in Japan. Several SriLankan Airlines officials are said to be speaking with Japanese authorities about the next legal steps.
No official statement has been reported from SriLankan Airlines management or from the Sri Lanka Embassy in Japan so far. Any further legal action will depend on the outcome of the Japanese investigation, according to reports.
Some trade union representatives have said the incident could harm the national airline’s international reputation. They have called for an independent inquiry.
Background
Narita International Airport serves Tokyo and is one of Japan’s main gateways for international flights. Aeon is a large Japanese retail chain with shopping complexes across the country.
As an allegation, the claim against the crew member has not been tested in court, and she is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
What it means
Sri Lankans who work or travel abroad are subject to the laws of the country where they are staying, and cases are handled by that country’s police and courts.
Embassies can usually provide consular assistance to citizens held overseas, but they cannot override local legal procedures.
