The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment continues to closely follow developments across the Middle East, especially in Iran and Israel, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra said.
Deputy Minister Hemachandra said that the Sri Lankan Missions on the ground are working continuously to ensure the safety and well-being of Sri Lankans affected by the recent tensions, coordinating evacuations and support under challenging conditions.
Issuing a statement, Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra provided the following situation update on Sri Lankans affected due to the crisis in the Middle East.
- In Iran,
Two Sri Lankans, an embassy staff member and a student, were facilitated to cross into Türkiye through the land border. Another individual was assisted in travelling by ferry from Bandar Abbas to Sharjah, UAE. Two more Sri Lankan nationals are currently awaiting ferry arrangements to Dubai. These operations are being managed with care and urgency by our diplomatic teams.
- In Israel,
There are signs of cautious stability. A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran remains in place, and local authorities are expected to ease restrictions on public gatherings in the coming days. Some Israeli airlines have resumed limited international flights from Tel Aviv, with regular schedules expected to follow from today.
Three Sri Lankans who departed earlier today via Cairo have now safely arrived in Colombo. Those in Sri Lanka planning to return to Israel, particularly for employment, are advised to stay in close contact with their agencies and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment. Given the evolving situation, a decision on future deployments for foreign employment to Israel will be taken in the coming days, based strictly on ground realities and with the safety and dignity of our workers as the foremost concern.
- In Türkiye,
Two Sri Lankans who entered from Iran were received by the Honorary Consul in Erzurum. With no immediate flight options to Colombo, travel arrangements have been made for the 28th of June. In the meantime, all necessary accommodation and support are being provided.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs further expressed gratitude to all those in the Sri Lankan Missions and supporting institutions, working behind the scenes to manage these complex operations with quiet resolve.
“The government remains fully alert and responsive to fast-changing developments. We will continue to make every decision carefully, based on what best serves the people and the country,” Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra added. (Newswire)