• Requests PIBA to extend reentry visas validity for 2 months from when Israel-Iran attacks began
• Lankans in Lebanon put on caution 
• Sajith queries actions to lessen impact on local businesses 
• No Foreign Min. decision yet on evacuating Lankans; Embassy in Tehran moved to North, 8 students take refuge at same 

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Israel has decided to assist in obtaining re-entry visas for Sri Lankans who are hoping to enter the country. 

Due to the current suspension of international flights to Israel, the Embassy has taken several steps to facilitate the extension of the relevant re-entry visas for Lankans. In a communique, Ambassador Nimal Bandara noted that he has submitted a formal written request to the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) of Israel to extend the validity period of re-entry visas by two months from the day on which the Iran-Israel conflict commenced. He stated that it is likely that the extension will apply not only to Sri Lankan citizens but also to nationals of other countries, although the process may take some time. 

He said that for Sri Lankans currently outside Israel, whose re-entry visas are expiring, arrangements are being considered for their arrival via the Cairo Airport, Egypt, followed by transfer to Eilat by chartered bus. Bandara added that the Embassy can also assist in obtaining short-term Egyptian visas and group transport, if necessary. Such individuals should submit their names, passport numbers, and contact numbers to the Embassy, according to Bandara. Bandara noted that all costs related to visa processing, flight re-bookings, and ground transportation must be borne by the individuals concerned while the Embassy will only provide facilitation and coordination support. 

Israel and Iran attacked each other for a fifth straight day yesterday (17), and United States President Donald Trump urged Iranians to evacuate Tehran, citing what he said was the country’s rejection of a deal to curb nuclear weapons development. Iranian officials reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians, in five days, while Israel said that 24 civilians had been killed. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that nearly 3,000 Israelis had been evacuated due to damage from Iranian strikes.

Meanwhile, the Government of Sri Lanka has announced the temporary suspension of the deployment of Sri Lankan nationals for employment in Israel, in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The announcement was made on Monday (16) by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra. Speaking at a press briefing held in Colombo, he stated that the decision was made as a precautionary measure in light of the prevailing Iran-Israel conflict. 

“Travel to Israel for foreign employment has been temporarily suspended. Depending on how the situation evolves, we will be in a position to make a decision in the coming days,” Hemachandra said.

He further urged Sri Lankan citizens currently residing in Israel and Iran to remain in regular contact with the Sri Lankan Embassies in their respective countries. “We have made available the necessary contact numbers for assistance. In the event of any emergency or difficulty, there are no obstacles to reaching out to us. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens remains the Government’s utmost priority,” he emphasised.

However, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Iran has been moved from its current location yesterday in the wake of the continuous attacks on Tehran, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath told the Parliament. He stated that embassies can no longer be maintained in Tehran due to the continuous attacks targeting the capital of Iran. Therefore, the Embassy officials and eight Sri Lankan students who were taking refuge at the Embassy have been moved to northern Iran, where they will remain at a temporary location and continue to provide the Embassy’s services, he said. 

He further said that they have been instructed to maintain communication to a certain extent and establish the relevant contact numbers. He said that around 35 Sri Lankans, including students, are currently in Iran and that they communicated the fact that they have made safety arrangements at their respective locations. Those who could not ensure their own safety had taken refuge at the Embassy, he said.  

Moreover, Sri Lankans in Lebanon have been urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution due to the prevailing war-like situation between Iran and Israel. The Sri Lankan Embassy in Lebanon has issued a notice to Sri Lankans, advising all individuals to temporarily refrain from traveling to crowded places, stepping out at night, participating in festivals, and undertaking long-distance travel. Additionally, the Embassy has informed Sri Lankans to keep a copy of their Lebanese identity card or passport with them when moving outdoors.

Elsewhere, the Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa yesterday questioned as to what steps have been taken by the Government to lessen the impact that the Israel-Iran conflict may have on Sri Lankans and local businesses. While being critical of the conduct of the Speaker of the House, Premadasa said that despite being the Opposition Leader, even he has been prevented from raising a matter which is of national importance. He said that the conflict in the Middle East is escalating into a full-blown war with fears of even the involvement of nuclear weapons. Therefore, Premadasa said that the Government must be proactive and take actions to minimise the impact that the conflict may have on Sri Lankans who are in the Middle East. He noted that it is puzzling as to why the Government is not taking any action to safeguard between 10,000 and 20,000 Sri Lankans who are working in Israel.

After repeated demands from Opposition members, Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that a response will be given when an adjournment debate is scheduled to be held in the evening.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held yesterday, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Jayatissa said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is yet to reach a decision regarding the evacuation of Sri Lankan citizens in Israel and Iran. He also noted that the security of all tourists arriving in Sri Lanka for the International Bohra Conference and Convention, which is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from 27 June to 5 July, is ensured. “Regardless of where they come from or their purpose, the Government is committed to ensuring the safety of every tourist who comes here,” he said.