Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced in Parliament that the Sri Lankan Embassy in Tehran, Iran, has been evacuated due to the escalating military tensions in the region. He noted that all embassy operations are now being conducted from an alternate location.
Updating the House on the regional situation, the Minister stated that four Sri Lankans working in Israel have been injured as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. One of the injured individuals is reportedly in critical condition.
Minister Herath further informed Parliament that the Sri Lankan Embassy is actively intervening to ensure the well-being of those affected. “We have temporarily suspended sending Sri Lankan workers to Israel. Those who are currently on leave are unable to return at this time,” he said.
He also stated that Sri Lanka has requested an extension of visa periods for those already in Israel and expressed optimism that this request will be granted. “Traveling to Israel at this moment poses a significant danger,” the Minister cautioned.
He revealed that ten Sri Lankans who had traveled to Israel were recently stranded at Dubai Airport, but arrangements were swiftly made to repatriate them to Sri Lanka. “Sending a special flight to evacuate Sri Lankans from Israel is currently a major challenge. However, we are in continuous contact with our ambassadors through Zoom and have taken all necessary measures to address the situation,” he assured.
