brand logo

Foreign Min. requests int’l support to evacuate Lankans in Afghanistan

22 Aug 2021

  • 20 Sri Lankans yet to return home; another 20 willing to stay back
The Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday (22) stated it has requested the governments of the US, the UK, India, and Pakistan, as well as the UN, to assist in evacuating the Sri Lankans in Afghanistan. It further confirmed that 46 of 86 Sri Lankan citizens in Afghanistan had already been evacuated as of yesterday (22). Another 20 are expecting to return soon, and the Foreign Ministry stated it is making arrangements for their evacuation, while the remaining 20 Sri Lankans have expressed their willingness to remain in Afghanistan. In a statement issued yesterday, it noted: “The Government of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the situation in Afghanistan and is closely monitoring developments. Our primary concern is the safety and security of Sri Lankans living in Afghanistan and evacuating them to safety or back to Sri Lanka.” Newly-appointed Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has met with the relevant envoys and asked for their assistance in this regard, the Ministry further stated. “The Government of Sri Lanka is happy to note that the Taliban has offered an amnesty and promised not to harm any foreigners, and requests the Taliban to continue honouring that commitment. The Government of Sri Lanka is also happy to see the pledges given by the Taliban that the women in Afghanistan can work, and girls can go to school, following the Islamic tradition,” the Foreign Ministry stated. It added that the Sri Lankan Government has taken note of the Taliban’s announcement that an All-Party mechanism will be established to take Afghanistan forward, and requests stability in terms of law and order, as well the assurance that the safety, security, and dignity of all people in Afghanistan would be safeguarded. It concluded: “The Government of Sri Lanka remains concerned of the possibilities of mass migration, extremist religious elements attempting to find a safe haven, and enhanced illegal narcotic trade, which can have a destabilising effect on the entire South Asian region. The Government is keenly observing the situation on a daily basis. As a member of SAARC, Sri Lanka is prepared to play its role to assist any regional efforts in this regard.”  


More News..