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)