The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, says approximately 12 Sri Lankans with mental health issues or substance abuse problems have been repatriated to Sri Lanka from Israel in the recent past.
Ambassador Nimal Bandara further said the Sri Lankan Embassy urges the concerned families to refrain from sending individuals with such vulnerabilities for foreign employment.
He further revealed that two more Sri Lankans, previously employed in construction work in Israel and who had exhibited inappropriate behaviour, were deported from Israel to Colombo on Thursday (25).
In a statement on social media, Ambassador Nimal Bandara said the two Sri Lankans were sent home via Dubai on FLYDUBAI flight FZ 1636 at 12:40 pm, and that the deportation was carried out at the request of their respective family members.
He further said that one individual had been roaming in various locations instead of attending work due to drug abuse, while the second had absconded from his workplace due to mental stress and was similarly wandering without employment. Both were handed over to the Embassy by members of the Sri Lankan community in Israel.
Ambassador Nimal Bandara revealed that, as both individuals had lost their passports, the Embassy issued two temporary passports free of charge.
The Embassy also ensured their welfare while they were in temporary accommodation and accompanied them to the airport for departure, he added. (Newswire)
