The Sri Lankan Embassy in Iran has been temporarily relocated from Tehran due to the prevailing security situation, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament. Embassy officials have also been moved due to the situation, though all contact numbers remain operational.
In addition to embassy staff, eight Sri Lankan students who had been at the Embassy in Tehran have also been relocated to the northern part of Iran due to security concerns. Minister Herath noted that attacks had occurred in close proximity to the embassy premises, prompting the precautionary move.
Herath said that approximately 35 Sri Lankans remain in Iran, with those residing in Tehran currently facing heightened risks. In contrast, he said nearly 20,000 Sri Lankans are presently in Israel.
Making a special statement on the Iran–Israel conflict and its impact on Sri Lankans, Herath said the government has suspended the deployment of migrant workers to Israel, including those returning to existing jobs, citing safety concerns.
“We have already taken a decision to temporarily suspend sending migrant workers to Israel, even if they are employees returning to work, as their lives are more important than employment,” Herath said, adding that the decision has been formally conveyed to Israeli authorities.
Additionally, 10 Sri Lankans who were stranded in transit while attempting to travel to the Middle East have been assisted by Sri Lankan missions and have returned home safely.
The Minister said he had held discussions with all Sri Lankan missions in the Middle East to facilitate the return of expatriate workers if the war escalates further. (Newswire)