The Hon. Vijitha Herath

¶ 01 Hon. Member, on your first supplementary, the Bureau is already intervening.

¶ 02 On Israel–Iran hostilities: In Iran there are about 35 Sri Lankans; in Israel about 20,000. Israel’s airports are closed; internal flights are not operating. The Embassy is actively intervening. Recently, four Sri Lankans were injured; three not seriously. One suffered a serious leg injury from glass; he has been hospitalized and treated; others also received treatment. The Embassy is assisting round-the-clock with food, shelter and other needs, and funds have been provided.

¶ 03 We continuously monitor with the Foreign Ministry and our Embassy. In one case, a Sri Lankan in Israel needed to return for a funeral in Galle; the Embassy facilitated overland exit and onward air travel; he has already arrived.

¶ 04 Some Sri Lankans in Israel on business also needed to return; we are facilitating, and expect quick repatriation.

¶ 05 Most Sri Lankans working in Israel prefer to remain, following local security protocols. The Embassy coordinates with Israel’s Ministry of Defense. If the situation escalates, we have discussed sending aircraft to nearby border countries to evacuate Sri Lankans via those hubs, in coordination with other missions. We are prepared to act at any time.

¶ 06 We advise Sri Lankans currently on leave in Sri Lanka not to return to Israel at this time due to risk. After hostilities end, they can return; the Embassy is working to extend visas. However, many Israeli state offices are not functioning; officials are working from home. PIBA has informed that visa extensions will be facilitated, but we await final confirmation.

¶ 07 We are ready to safeguard employment and lives, and have already taken steps. If necessary, we will repatriate our citizens.