• 14 sheltered in Lebanon

A 43-year-old Sri Lankan caregiver from Kadawatha has been injured in an air strike in northern Israel, as 14 Sri Lankans fleeing heavy bombardment in southern Beirut have been provided emergency shelter by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Lebanon.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, confirmed to The Daily Morning yesterday (3) that the woman had sustained minor injuries during an air strike but had returned to work after receiving medical treatment. She is employed as a caregiver in northern Israel.

Bandara said a five-day state of emergency had been declared in Israel, with schools, universities and public offices closed amid escalating hostilities. Despite the situation, he assured that the Sri Lankan Embassy in Tel Aviv remains open and is maintaining close contact with the approximately 29,000 Sri Lankans employed in the country.

He further noted that pilgrimages from Sri Lanka to Israel have been temporarily halted due to the unrest in the Middle East and that visas are not currently being issued for that purpose.

Meanwhile, in Lebanon, the Sri Lankan Embassy has stepped in to assist nationals affected by intensified Israeli air strikes in southern Beirut. At least 14 Sri Lankans who left their accommodation due to heavy bombardment have been provided temporary shelter.

Embassy officials confirmed that no Sri Lankan in Lebanon has been injured in the attacks so far. Staff are monitoring the situation around the clock and remain in close contact with the Sri Lankan community.

In Kuwait, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador Lakshitha Ratnayake also sought to reassure the public, stating that Sri Lankans residing there remain safe despite rising regional tensions. He confirmed that no Sri Lankan in Kuwait has been affected by the violence.

Ratnayake said the Embassy is closely coordinating with Kuwaiti security authorities to monitor developments and gather relevant information. He emphasised that there is no need for undue alarm regarding the safety of Sri Lankans in Kuwait at present.

Amid the widening regional crisis, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism has established a dedicated Emergency Response Unit to coordinate matters arising from the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The unit has been created with a focus on safeguarding the welfare of nearly one million Sri Lankans living and working across the region. The Ministry said the mechanism will prioritise the safety and well-being of Sri Lankan nationals and respond swiftly to emerging developments.

The unit will also handle issues faced by foreign nationals currently in Sri Lanka who may be affected by the unfolding situation, addressing concerns on a case-by-case basis.