–Minister Vijitha Herath
Those who have come to Sri Lanka, Don’t try to leave now
Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath stated in Parliament yesterday (June 19) that despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, no Sri Lankan national employed in Israel has yet requested to return to Sri Lanka. He made this statement in response to an oral supplementary question posed by opposition MP Rohana Bandara.
Responding to MP Rohana Bandara’s question regarding the safety of Sri Lankans in Israel, the Minister further elaborated:
“No Sri Lankan employed in Israel has requested to return to Sri Lanka”
“Currently, there are approximately 35 Sri Lankans in Iran and about 20,000 in Israel. The conflict between Israel and Iran has caused some distress among Sri Lankans. Due to this war, four Sri Lankan nationals have been injured in recent days, with one suffering a severe leg injury from falling glass. Our embassy is working 24/7 to provide necessary food, lodging, and medical treatment. Additionally, all airports in Israel are currently closed.
At present, Sri Lankan nationals living in Israel are not expressing a desire to return to Sri Lanka. They are utilizing the security measures available there, and the Israeli Ministry of Defense is providing them with information.
If the current war situation intensifies significantly, we are prepared at any time to send aircraft to the borders of neighbouring countries to bring back Sri Lankan nationals. For those who are currently on holiday in Sri Lanka, we advise them not to rush back to Israel. They can return once the war ends. We will intervene to extend their visa periods for this purpose.”
