Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment- Arun Hemachandra,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism is closely monitoring the military situation in the Middle East. We are fully engaged in the safe return of Sri Lankan citizens currently affected by the prevailing war environment in the region. This is a complex, multi-embassy operation. Our diplomatic missions in Iran, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, India, and the United Arab Emirates are working in close coordination with each other, as well as with several partner foreign missions and international agencies.

At the outset, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of India for their continuous support to Sri Lankan citizens under Operation Sindhu, a special humanitarian program that provides safe evacuation routes for those stranded in conflict zones. Indian authorities have allocated a limited number of seats for Sri Lankan citizens, and our Embassies in Tel Aviv, Amman, and New Delhi are working closely with the Indian government to ensure these facilities.

Iran: Our Embassy in Tehran has confirmed that 41 Sri Lankans are currently in Iran. Four of them have already departed. One student is scheduled to depart from Mashhad today, and three individuals are at the Azerbaijan border. A family of six, including an 8-day-old infant, has expressed readiness to depart next week through evacuation with Indian assistance. Several others are making arrangements through their respective employers or handling visa and immigration matters. The Embassy is maintaining active contact with all individuals to facilitate each case.

Israel: Today marks the eleventh day since the current conflict began. The Sri Lankan Embassy in Tel Aviv reports that three individuals are scheduled to depart tomorrow via the Eilat, Taba border crossing and Cairo Airport, with the assistance of our Embassy in Egypt. Additionally, 12 individuals have approached the Embassy requesting assistance for their return. India has organized special repatriation flights under Operation Sindhu from Amman to New Delhi, and a limited number of seats have been provided to Sri Lankans. Our missions are assisting with registrations and onward travel arrangements. The Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi has confirmed that one person evacuated from Iran is expected to arrive in India at 4:30 PM today.

Egypt: Our Embassy in Cairo has received details of six Sri Lankans intending to cross the Taba border and depart via Cairo. Including one tourist expected to arrive at the border this morning, they have been provided with immediate facilitation. We urge all Sri Lankans wishing to use this route to inform the Embassy in advance and to present relevant documents such as passports and visas to avoid last-minute complications. The Embassy has reported that the temporary airspace was closed yesterday due to the complexity of military operations. Nevertheless, coordination with Jordanian and Indian authorities continues to support Sri Lankans using this route for repatriation.

United Arab Emirates: Our Embassy in Abu Dhabi reports that nine Sri Lankans who previously traveled to Israel via Abu Dhabi have been repatriated. Two returned via SriLankan Airlines, one independently, and six via Etihad Airways.