The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, the answers are as follows:

¶ 02 I. Yes, harm has occurred. Four Sri Lankans in Israel were injured. Three sustained minor injuries, and one suffered a more serious leg injury due to glass falling on the leg. Of the four, three are women and one is a man.

¶ 03 II. Our Embassy in Israel has already intervened. Those with minor injuries have received treatment. The seriously injured individual is receiving necessary hospital treatment facilitated by the Embassy.

¶ 04 There are about 20,000 Sri Lankans employed in Israel. In Iran, around 35 Sri Lankans reside—some married to Iranian nationals, a few students and a few workers. Given the conflict in the Middle East, there are safety concerns for Sri Lankans living in Israel and Iran. Our embassies are actively engaged. Due to continued strikes on Tehran, our Embassy staff and several Sri Lankan students (about eight) have moved out from the Embassy premises and are relocating temporarily to the north to continue consular services from a safer location. We have publicized contact numbers for coordination and assured immediate assistance. One Sri Lankan student intends to depart with Indian students. Some others have indicated they will remain where they are and manage their safety; a few came to the Embassy and are moving to safer areas with Embassy staff.

¶ 05 In Israel, while four were injured, there is risk to others in different localities. The Embassy has issued an advisory requesting immediate contact in case of any issue. Strikes have occurred even near the Embassy; officials are taking protective measures. We have advised all Sri Lankans to follow safety measures, use designated shelters and, where available, move to underground or protected areas during alerts.

¶ 06 III. We have temporarily suspended dispatching workers to Israel. About 300–350 on leave in Sri Lanka will also not be sent back at this time. Life is more important than employment. We have asked Israeli authorities to extend visas for those delayed; although many officials are working from home, we have coordinated with relevant institutions to process visa extensions. There is no cause for panic.

¶ 07 We also intercepted about ten persons in transit at Dubai/Abu Dhabi en route to Israel; through our Missions we advised and all have now returned to Sri Lanka, with airlines providing temporary facilitation at our request.

¶ 08 Given airport closures and overland restrictions, immediate evacuation from Israel is difficult. In Iran, the situation is very severe; overland relocations to Armenia, Azerbaijan or Türkiye may be needed. Our Embassy in Türkiye stands ready to assist Sri Lankans relocating from Iran with accommodation and onward arrangements. If the situation deteriorates further, with the support of friendly governments, regional Missions and partner countries, we will work to bring our citizens back.

¶ 09 We have held Zoom conferences with all Missions in the Middle East, issued instructions and are providing required resources and funds to Missions.

¶ 10 IV. Yes, there will be some impact on remittances, and there is a risk of rising global oil prices. We will take necessary contingency measures. While there is no immediate substitute for remittances, we are prepared to adopt alternatives on fuel and other fronts as the situation evolves.