The Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel says several Sri Lankan nationals in Israel for business purposes remain stranded due to the lack of outbound flights.
Sri Lankan Ambassador Nimal Bandara said that the Ben Gurion International Airport and Israeli airspace remain closed to all international flights, at present.
He said, however, Sri Lankans are advised on the possibility of exiting Israel via the Eilat border to Egypt and onward to Sri Lanka.
“Ballistic missile attacks launched by Iran continued throughout the day and night yesterday, targeting major urban areas across Israel. Israeli security forces successfully intercepted and destroyed the majority of these missiles, minimizing the damage,” he said.
Ambassador Bandara said there are continuing reports that missile attacks may escalate in the coming days, adding that the Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Sri Lankans in Israel.
“We advise all Sri Lankans in Israel to remain vigilant, follow official instructions, and contact the Embassy in case of emergencies,” he added.
Following is a situation update provided by the Sri Lankan Ambassador Nimal Bandara as of 06.00 am today;
- Iranian Ballistic Missile Attacks
Ballistic missile attacks launched by Iran continued throughout the day and night yesterday, targeting major urban areas across Israel. Israeli security forces successfully intercepted and destroyed the majority of these missiles, minimizing the damage.
- Incident in Herzliya
At approximately 08:45 AM yesterday, an Iranian missile struck near a bus depot in the Herzliya area, north of Tel Aviv, where many Israeli diplomats reside. The explosion ignited several buses and caused tremors that were felt in nearby residential buildings, including houses occupied by diplomats and foreign nationals.
- Clarification on False Reports
Contrary to widely circulated false reports—including some by Sri Lankan websites and journalists—the missile that landed in Herzliya was not aimed at the Mossad headquarters. This misinformation appears to have been disseminated by an organized group. The Embassy clarified the facts to all those who made inquiries. We kindly urge all Sri Lankans to refrain from sharing unverified news and instead rely on official sources such as the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) website for accurate updates.
- Precautionary Measures for Residents
Due to ongoing nighttime missile attacks, many elderly residents and families with young children have been spending the nights in safe shelters. Those living in high-rise buildings face added difficulty, as they are instructed to avoid using elevators during attacks and must rely on staircases for evacuation.
- Suspension of Public Events
In line with Israeli government instructions to avoid public gatherings, the Sri Lankan community has decided to postpone five Poson Pinkama and Dansal events scheduled in Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Jerusalem, and Haifa, in commemoration of the Poson Full Moon Poya.
- Concerns from Residents Without Safe Shelters
Some Sri Lankans residing in older buildings without proper shelters have expressed concern for their safety. They are advised to consult their family members and designated social workers to develop a personal emergency plan and identify temporary alternatives for shelter during attacks.
- Emergency Travel Requests
A Sri Lankan worker from the Galle area approached the Embassy urgently requesting assistance to return to Sri Lanka due to the sudden death of his child. He was informed about the current travel restrictions and advised on the possibility of exiting Israel via the Eilat border to Egypt and onward to Sri Lanka. He was also informed that leaving Israel without a valid re-entry visa would prevent him from returning. Please note that many government offices in Israel are currently closed, and only essential services are functioning remotely. Several Sri Lankan nationals in Israel for business purposes are also stranded due to the lack of outbound flights.
- Tel Aviv Airport Status
Ben Gurion International Airport and Israeli airspace remain closed to all international flights.
- Possible Escalation
There are continuing reports that missile attacks may escalate in the coming days. The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Sri Lankans in Israel. (Newswire)