Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ In light of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, Sri Lankan residents in Israel are being urged to take precautionary measures. The Sri Lankan Ambassador in Tel Aviv issued a statement via Facebook, advising Sri Lankans to refrain from unnecessary outings and to ensure an adequate supply of medication and food in case of emergencies. Notably, majority of Sri Lankans in Israel are employed in agricultural and caregiving roles.
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Furthermore, officials have also advised Sri Lankan nationals in Israel and Lebanon to stay vigilant and be in regular touch with the Colombo Mission for security updates, especially following clashes between Israeli security forces and Islamic militants from the Gaza Strip. According to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), there are approximately 8,000 Sri Lankans in Lebanon and a similar number in Israel. Gamini Senarath Yapa, Deputy General Manager of SLBFE, acknowledged the possibility of higher numbers due to undocumented migrants using illegal channels facilitated by human traffickers.
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Despite the ongoing tense situation, most Sri Lankans are reported to be safe, primarily residing in urban areas away from conflict zones. However, concerns have been raised about the safety of Sri Lankans who illegally entered Israel through the Jordanian border prior to the Gaza conflict. Additionally, recent incidents highlight the risks faced by Sri Lankan nationals in the region. Thirty-five individuals were deported by Jordanian authorities for overstaying their visas and were detained while planning to enter Israel illegally.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Jordan has urged citizens to get overseas employment legally and register with SLBFE before departure. In a similar situation, eleven Sri Lankan individuals managed to leave the war-torn Gaza Strip through the Rifah crossing into Egypt, where they were met by Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry representatives. Additionally, efforts are underway to repatriate them to Colombo after completing necessary documentation.
The Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the welfare of Sri Lankans abroad and maintaining communication with relevant stakeholders. Tragically, two Sri Lankans were killed by Hamas militants during a raid into southern Israel. Nimal Bandara and Anula Jayathilake, both employed in the domestic sector, lost their lives in the attack. While arrangements have been made to repatriate Jayathilake’s remains, efforts are ongoing to bring Bandara’s body back to Sri Lanka.
In another incident, Sri Lankans flying to Tel Aviv were forced to be stranded in Dubai as a result of suspended flights due to heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, emphasized the importance of staying informed about flight delays and changes in schedules amid the volatile situation. Due to continued tensions, travelers are urged to maintain caution and remain updated about latest developments affecting their journeys.
