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)

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The issue of Sri Lankans residing in Israel without valid visas was taken up for discussion recently, during the second meeting of the Parliamentary Friendship Association, established in the Israeli Parliament.

During the meeting of the Association, established to strengthen cooperation between Israel and Sri Lanka at the parliamentary level, it was noted that this situation affects not only Sri Lankans but also other foreign nationals. 

According to Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, the matter was referred to the Committee on Foreign Workers of the Israeli Parliament for further consideration, and the Committee is scheduled to take up this issue at its next session.

He further said that, in addition, the meeting also addressed the possibility of providing training opportunities in Israel for officials of the Sri Lankan Parliament.

The discussion was attended by Tsega Melaku, Chairman of the Israel–Sri Lanka Friendship Association, officials from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives from the Foreign Policy Division of the Israeli Parliament, and Hemantha Ekanayake, Deputy Head of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel says 17 Sri Lankans have registered to travel on the flight operated by the Indian government, to be repatriated to Sri Lanka. 

Providing a situation update as of 04.00 am today, Sri Lankan Ambassador Nimal Bandara said that the group is scheduled to depart from Amman Airport in Jordan to New Delhi in India tomorrow (25 June).

Ambassador Nimal Bandara further stated that, additionally, 20 individuals have registered with the Embassy to travel to Sri Lanka via Egypt in the coming days, adding that so far, five have already arrived in Sri Lanka.

The arrangements have been made after the Government of India recently informed Sri Lanka of the possibility of arranging flights for Sri Lankans in Israel to be repatriated home.  

The Sri Lankan Ambassador also revealed that, according to the latest information, 219 individuals who travelled to Sri Lanka for holidays are scheduled to return to Israel.

“The Population and Immigration Authority has extended the re-entry visa period for foreigners who were unable to return to Israel as scheduled due to the Iran-Israel conflict. These visas will now be valid until July 31, 2025. All airlines have been informed, and passengers will be able to travel to Israel without any hindrance once flights resume,” he said.

Ambassador Nimal Bandara further said that although several missile attacks were reported from Iran over the past 24 hours, no injuries have been reported.

“International media, citing an official statement by the U.S. President, report that Israel and Iran have agreed to a complete ceasefire. However, the Israeli government has not yet made an official statement regarding this development,” he added. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel says arrangements are being made for Sri Lankans to be evacuated from Israel due to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Sri Lankan Ambassador Nimal Bandara said three Sri Lankans are scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka via Eilat (Israel), the TABA border crossing, and Cairo Airport tomorrow. 

Providing a situation update as of 05.00 am this morning, he said that their travel arrangements are being coordinated by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Egypt.

He further said that 12 more Sri Lankans visited the Embassy yesterday seeking assistance to return home and that they are expected to depart in the coming days. 

“The journey from Tel Aviv to Eilat, through the TABA border and on to Cairo Airport, involves traversing challenging terrain. The approximately 450-kilometre route runs through the deserts of Israel and Egypt, where temperatures during the summer can reach up to 45°C. Once inside Egypt, travellers must pass through multiple security checkpoints where vehicles are thoroughly inspected. Those planning to reach Cairo International Airport are advised to begin their journey at least one day in advance,” he said. 

Ambassador Nimal Bandara also revealed that the Government of India has informed of the possibility of arranging flights for Sri Lankans in Israel to be repatriated home.

Stating that the Government of India is operating several flights from Amman Airport in Jordan to New Delhi to repatriate Indian nationals, he said the Indian Embassy in Israel has informed that seats on these flights can also be arranged for several Sri Lankans.

Ambassador Nimal Bandara said that Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry has approved the use of these flights. 

“Accordingly, those intending to travel via this route will be registered at the Sri Lankan Embassy today and tomorrow. The Sri Lankan Embassy in Jordan and the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi will assist travellers using this option,” he said.

The Sri Lankan Ambassador also noted that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has severely affected the work of Sri Lankans employed in the hospitality sector. 

“Due to the ongoing conflict, the absence of tourists has disrupted hotel operations, affecting many Sri Lankans working in the hospitality sector. A hotel in the Dead Sea area has closed, and 15 Sri Lankan workers had to be relocated to another hotel,” he said. 

Ambassador Nimal Bandara urged anyone facing similar issues to report their situation to the Sri Lankan Embassy.

He further informed that the Government of Sri Lanka has temporarily suspended travel to Israel due to the ongoing conflict. 

“We have received numerous appeals from Sri Lankans currently in Sri Lanka who wish to return to Israel. However, due to the prevailing war situation, the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to temporarily suspend travel to Israel,” he said.

Ambassador Nimal Bandara requested everyone to respect and adhere to this decision until further notice. (Newswire)

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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)

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The Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel says a total of four Sri Lankans have been injured in the recent attacks on Israel in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Sri Lankan Ambassador Nimal Bandara said that as of 05.00 am today, the injured persons are reported to be in stable condition and are expected to resume work in the coming days. 

“Additionally, two other Sri Lankans were temporarily evacuated from their residences, and their employer has made alternative accommodation arrangements. A staff member of the Sri Lankan Embassy also experienced property damage to her residence, but she remains unharmed,” he said.

Providing a situation update, the Sri Lankan Ambassador said that the drone and missile attacks launched by Iran on Israel began last afternoon and continued overnight. 

“While a significant number of missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed, several densely populated areas, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, were targeted,” he said.

Issuing a statement, Ambassador Nimal Bandara said that in light of the evolving security situation, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel has issued the following updates and guidance:

• Security App Installation

The Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) has instructed all foreign workers in Israel to install the Ministry of Defence’s official security information app on their mobile devices. This app provides real-time alerts and safety instructions during missile and drone attacks. All Sri Lankans are strongly advised to download and monitor this app regularly.

• Status of Sri Lankans Affected

The four Sri Lankans injured in the recent attacks are in stable condition and are expected to resume work in the coming days. Additionally, two other Sri Lankans were temporarily evacuated from their residences; their employer has made alternative accommodation arrangements. A staff member of the Sri Lankan Embassy also experienced property damage to her residence, but she remains unharmed.

• Alternative Travel Routes

Those needing to leave Israel urgently may do so by travelling to Jordan or Egypt via the southern city of Eilat. From there, onward travel can be arranged through Cairo or Amman international airports.

• Passport Delivery Delays

Due to the current suspension of international flights to Israel, there may be delays in the delivery of passports and other consular documents for Sri Lankans. Discussions are underway to dispatch the diplomatic pouch via Egypt through international courier services such as DHL.

• Food and Essential Supplies

Transportation disruptions have led to supply chain delays in certain areas, potentially causing temporary shortages of specific food items. All Sri Lankans are advised to keep at least one week’s supply of essential food and water.

• Media Sensationalism

Some international media outlets have broadcast exaggerated reports of the situation in Israel, creating undue concern among relatives of Sri Lankans back home. The Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel continues to monitor the well-being of Sri Lankans on a 24-hour basis and will provide accurate and timely updates.

• Return Travel to Israel via Egypt

Sri Lankans currently in Sri Lanka who need to return to Israel are advised to consider travel routes through Egypt. The Embassy stands ready to assist with obtaining the necessary Egyptian transit visas and related travel arrangements.

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, assured that the Embassy remains fully operational and committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all Sri Lankans in Israel. (Newswire)

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Two Sri Lankans have been injured in Israel, due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, said.

In a post on Facebook, Ambassador Nimal Bandara said that a Sri Lankan woman was injured on the shoulder in a missile attack in the Bat Yam area in Israel on Saturday. 

“The injured woman was treated in the hospital and later transferred to the Sri Lankan Embassy for further treatment under the care of a Sri Lankan nurse,” he said. 

Ambassador Nimal Bandara further said that a Sri Lankan construction worker was injured in the leg in an Iranian missile attack on the Bnei Brak area on Sunday. 

“Arrangements are being made to provide him with the necessary treatment,” he said. 

Providing further details on the ground situation, Ambassador Nimal Bandara said that Sri Lankans with urgent travel needs will be permitted to enter and exit Israel via land through Amman Airport in Jordan or Cairo Airport in Egypt.

He said Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has announced that individuals currently unable to enter Israel due to the closure of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport to international flights can make travel arrangements via Jordan and Egypt.

“During a briefing with ambassadors and diplomats in Israel, Minister Sa’ar stated that he could not confirm a specific date for the reopening of Ben Gurion Airport. However, he emphasised that those with urgent travel needs can enter and exit Israel via land through Amman Airport in Jordan or Cairo Airport in Egypt,” he said. 

Ambassador Nimal Bandara said that passengers wishing to travel between Sri Lanka and Israel may obtain short-term visas from the respective countries and enter Israel through land border crossings, including those near the city of Eilat. (Newswire)

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Israel and Sri Lanka have signed an agreement, which will allow Israel to immediately hire 10,000 Sri Lankan farm workers, according to Globes, Israel business news.

Accordingly, the agreement has been signed by Israel’s Minister of Interior Moshe Arbel and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel Nimal Bandaranaike.

The first Sri Lankan agricultural workers within the framework of this agreement should arrive in the coming weeks. 

There are already 4,500 workers from Sri Lanka employed in Israel, most of them working in the homecare sector.

The new agreement follows cabinet approval last week allowing Israeli companies to bring 5,000 workers to the country for the agricultural sector.

Israel’s agricultural sector has been hit hard by the war. Since October 7, some 8,000 foreign agricultural workers have fled Israel out of 30,000 foreign workers in the farming sector. 

During the attack on October 7, Hamas militants dozens of foreign workers were killed, while several dozen were taken hostage in Gaza.

At the same time, some 20,000 Palestinian agricultural workers have been banned from entering the country. (NewsWire)

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Israel’s Foreign Ministry suspects that Sujith Bandara Yatawara of Sri Lankan origin who was reported missing following the outbreak of conflict with Palestine may be among the hostages held by the Hamas militants, it was reported. 

According to Lankadeepa, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel Nimal Bandara said Israel’s Foreign Ministry had officially informed the Sri Lankan Mission in Israel in this regard. 

Ambassador Bandara said that Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry and Sujith Bandara Yatawara’s family have also been informed in this regard. 

He further said that investigations are underway to ascertain if the DNA samples obtained from Sujith Bandara Yatawara’s children are a match to an unidentified body that was found by Israel’s Police.

Despite initially being informed of 222 hostages being held by the Hamas militants, the number of hostages has increased to 239, while four among them have been released, the Ambassador revealed.

Ambassador Bandara went on to say that all measures are underway together with Israeli authorities and other relevant officials to ensure the rescue of Sujith Bandara Yatawara. (NewsWire)

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A Sri Lankan woman who was reported missing in Israel has been confirmed dead by Israeli authorities, it was reported.

According to media reports, the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Israel Nimal Bandara confirmed the death, stating that the woman has been identified as Anula Jayathilake. 

Ambassador Bandara further said that her remains will be received by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel within 2 days. 

The death has been confirmed after the Ambassador said earlier today that they are yet to receive information on two women who have been reported missing during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

He also revealed that another two Sri Lankan women had been kidnapped at the Israel–Jordan border and that the Sri Lankan Embassy was taking steps to locate the two women.

The Red Cross Association has also made a request from the Hamas militants to provide details of foreigners, including Sri Lankans held captive, in order to identify Sri Lankans reported missing.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reportedly in talks with the Egyptian Embassy to bring Sri Lankans living in Gaza to Sri Lanka, via Egypt.

The Representative at the Office of Sri Lanka in Palestine has informed that plans are underway to evacuate the Sri Lankans via the Rafah border crossing. (NewsWire)

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Two Sri Lankan women have been kidnapped at the Israel–Jordan border, it was reported.

According to NewsFirst, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel Nimal Bandara confirmed the abduction, stating that the Sri Lankan Embassy is taking steps to locate the two women.

Ambassador Bandara further said that they are yet to receive information on two other women who have been reported missing during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The Ambassador also revealed that 27 Sri Lankans who were residing in Northern Gaza are currently moving towards Southern Gaza in Palestine. 

Ambassador Bandara said that they have received reports that the group is moving towards Egypt with others from Gaza. 

He added that the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Palestine has confirmed their safety and movement, adding that the Palestine Office has made arrangements for their passage through a road opened by them to Egypt.

“The Red Cross Association has also requested the Hamas militants to provide details of people under their custody, which includes foreigners from 36 countries, including Sri Lanka. We will be able to confirm the whereabouts of the two Sri Lankans reported missing if we get the necessary information from Hamas,” Ambassador Bandara added. 

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reportedly in talks with the Egyptian Embassy to bring Sri Lankans living in Gaza to Sri Lanka, via Egypt.

The Representative at the Office of Sri Lanka in Palestine has informed that plans are underway to evacuate the Sri Lankans via the Rafah border crossing. (NewsWire)

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