Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, has issued a special announcement updating advice for Sri Lankans residing in the country regarding the current security situation.
According to the statement, Iranian ballistic missile attacks targeting major urban areas in Israel were active throughout yesterday (June 17) and last night. The Ambassador noted that the Israeli defense forces successfully intercepted and destroyed almost all ballistic missile attacks, with only a few managing to get through.
Ambassador Bandara further elaborated in the statement:
“Yesterday, around 8:45 AM, an Iranian ballistic missile struck near a bus depot in the Herzliya urban area, north of Tel Aviv, where many Embassy officials reside. This resulted in several parked buses catching fire. Many homes where Embassy officials and other residents live experienced tremors.”
“It’s important to clarify that false news, orchestrated by an organized group, claimed the missile that fell in Herzliya was aimed at the headquarters of Israel’s Mossad organization. Unfortunately, some Sri Lankan websites and even certain journalists reported this as fact.”
“Special Announcement from Sri Lankan Embassy regarding current situation in Israel”
The Ambassador kindly requested that such false information circulating online not be re-shared. He advised the public to obtain accurate information and guidance by visiting the official website of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The Ambassador also noted that due to the Israeli government’s directive against organizing public gatherings and festivals, five Poson (a Buddhist festival) alms-giving events and meritorious deeds, which were planned by the Sri Lankan community in Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Jerusalem, and Haifa, have been postponed.
Regarding travel, the Ambassador shared an incident: “A person from the Galle district who had come to work in Israel approached the Embassy, stating a need to return to Sri Lanka due to the sudden death of their child. We explained the difficulties of traveling to Sri Lanka under the current circumstances. We pointed out the possibility of traveling via the city of Eilat to Egypt and then on to Sri Lanka, but also clarified that if they leave without a re-entry visa, they would not be able to return to Israel.” He added, “Many Israeli offices are currently closed, with essential services being performed from home. Due to the prevailing situation, Tel Aviv International Airport and Israeli airspace remain closed.”
