Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to closely monitor the rapidly evolving security situation in the Middle East, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra said.
Issuing a statement, Deputy Minister Hemachandra said the ministry remains fully engaged in coordinating the safe return of Sri Lankan nationals currently affected by the ongoing tensions in the region.
“This is a complex, multi-embassy operation. Our diplomatic missions in Iran, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, India, and the United Arab Emirates are working in close coordination, not only with each other but also with several partner foreign missions and international agencies operating on the ground,” he explained.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs further extended Sri Lanka’s sincere appreciation to the Government of India for its timely and generous support to Sri Lankan nationals under Operation Sindhu, a special humanitarian initiative that has provided safe evacuation routes for foreign nationals stranded in conflict zones.
“The Indian authorities have extended a limited number of seats to Sri Lankan citizens, and our embassies in Tel Aviv, Amman, and New Delhi are working closely with Indian counterparts to ensure smooth facilitation,” he said.
Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra further provided an update on the measures being taken by Sri Lankan missions overseas to address issues faced by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
- In Iran,
Our Embassy in Tehran has confirmed that 41 Sri Lankans are currently accounted for. Of these, four have already departed.
One student is scheduled to leave from Mashhad today, and three individuals are at the Azerbaijan border awaiting clearance. A family of six, including an 8-day-old infant, has expressed readiness to depart next week via the Indian-assisted evacuation.
Several others are making arrangements through their respective employers or addressing visa and immigration matters. The Embassy remains in active contact with all individuals and is facilitating each case individually.
- In Israel,
We have entered the eleventh day of the ongoing hostilities. The Sri Lanka Embassy in Tel Aviv reports that three nationals are scheduled to depart tomorrow via Eilat, the TABA border, and onward through Cairo Airport, with the assistance of our Embassy in Egypt.
Additionally, twelve individuals have approached the Embassy requesting assistance to return home. These cases are currently being processed.
Under Operation Sindhu, India has organized special repatriation flights from Amman to New Delhi. Sri Lankan nationals have been granted access to a limited number of seats. Our Missions are supporting registrations and onward transit arrangements.
- In India,
The Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi has confirmed that one evacuee from Iran is scheduled to arrive in India at 4:30 p.m. today, before connecting to Colombo.
- In Egypt,
Our Embassy in Cairo has received details of six Sri Lankans intending to cross the TABA border and depart via Cairo. Immediate facilitation has been arranged, including for one traveller who was expected to reach the border this morning.
We urge all Sri Lankans seeking to use this route to notify the Embassy in advance and submit relevant documents, such as passports and visas, to avoid last-minute complications.
- In Jordan,
The Embassy has reported temporary airspace closures yesterday due to increased military activity. Nevertheless, coordination with Jordanian and Indian authorities continues in support of Sri Lankans using this route for repatriation.
- In the United Arab Emirates,
Our Embassy in Abu Dhabi has reported that nine Sri Lankans had previously travelled through Abu Dhabi en route to Israel. Of these, two were returned via SriLankan Airlines, one returned independently, and six were repatriated via Etihad Airways.
Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra said that all these efforts are being carried out in close coordination with the Labour Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), especially with regard to matters involving foreign employment.
“We urge Sri Lankan nationals who may have overstayed their visas to immediately contact the relevant Sri Lankan Embassies for assistance. Those with unresolved immigration or visa issues may face significant delays or restrictions in movement, particularly when attempting to cross borders such as Egypt or Jordan, where security protocols remain high and immigration requirements are strictly enforced,” he warned.
The Deputy Minister reiterated that the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry remains committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of its fellow citizens abroad, adding, “We are in constant communication with our Missions and partner governments to ensure timely support and secure passage for those who wish to return home.” (Newswire)