• 24/7 hotlines established for Sri Lankans abroad
• Operation Epic Fury triggers increased risk to SL expat workers
• Outbound Middle East flights suspended over security concerns
• Iran retaliates, hits US Navy 5th Fleet HQ in Bahrain

The Government has activated emergency response mechanisms and suspended outbound flights to the Middle East following a sharp escalation of military hostilities in the region, as nearly one million Sri Lankans living and working there face growing uncertainty.

The Government’s emergency measures follow a major escalation in regional conflict after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran in an operation named ‘Operation Epic Fury’ yesterday (28 February). 

The US had been building up forces for such a strike for over a month, with US President Donald Trump warning about serious consequences for the Iranian regime.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism said it was closely monitoring developments after coordinated strikes were launched yesterday on defence installations in Iran by forces from the US and Israel.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Thushara Rodrigo said precautionary measures were implemented with immediate effect.

“The ministry has established direct lines of communication with our heads of mission and diplomatic posts in the region. A 24-hour emergency hotline has been activated and we are maintaining continuous contact with the Sri Lankan community in Iran,” he said.

According to the ministry, fewer than 30 Sri Lankan nationals are currently residing in Iran. No injuries or casualties involving Sri Lankans have been reported thus far. For security reasons, their details are being treated confidentially.

All Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in the Middle East have been instructed to activate 24/7 emergency hotlines. Sri Lankans in affected areas have been advised to avoid non-essential travel, particularly to border regions or sites of military significance, remain indoors where necessary, comply strictly with local security advisories, and maintain contact with the nearest Sri Lankan mission.

Families in Sri Lanka seeking information about relatives in the Middle East have been directed to contact the Consular Affairs Division and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment through its dedicated WhatsApp line.

Sri Lanka has a large expatriate community in the Gulf states, with many employed in construction, domestic work, and trade. The ministry said safeguarding their welfare remained a priority as the situation unfolds.

Amid partial airspace closures across the region, SriLankan Airlines cancelled multiple scheduled flights yesterday, including services between Colombo and Riyadh, Kuwait, Dammam, Dubai, and Doha, along with corresponding return sectors, in the interest of passenger safety and well-being.

SriLankan urged passengers to contact its global call centre, offices, or travel agents for rebooking options. “We sincerely appreciate our passengers’ understanding and patience as the changes are implemented,” the airline said in a statement.

The announcement comes as Middle Eastern airspace restrictions widen following hostilities involving Israel, the US, and Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran, while Iran vowed retaliation after Israeli and US strikes.

Sri Lanka relies heavily on Gulf connections for migrant workers and trade, making the cancellations a significant disruption for travellers and businesses. The airline said further updates would be provided as the situation develops.

Director General of Civil Aviation Captain Damith Rambukwella confirmed that all flights departing from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to Middle Eastern destinations had been suspended following a meeting at the Civil Aviation Authority attended by local and foreign airline representatives.

Passengers scheduled to travel to the Middle East have been advised not to proceed directly to the airport but to contact their respective airlines for updated instructions. Several aircraft en route from Asian destinations to Middle Eastern airports which were unable to continue have been diverted to Katunayake and Mattala.

International flights to and from Israel have also been suspended, with Ben Gurion International Airport closed until further notice as of 8.30 a.m. (Israel time) yesterday.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel Nimal Bandara said that missile attacks had been reported in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, although no casualties had been confirmed at the time of reporting. Sri Lankans currently in Israel intending to return home have been advised to rebook flights, while those planning to travel have been urged to postpone their journeys.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi has also advised Sri Lankan nationals in the United Arab Emirates to avoid unnecessary travel and remain vigilant.

The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran yesterday, targeting key installations and escalating tensions in the Middle East. US President Trump said the strikes were aimed at eliminating a security threat and reshaping the regional balance.

Tehran responded by launching missiles towards Israel and warning that US bases and interests in the region were within reach. Explosions were reported in parts of the Gulf, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, while Bahrain and Qatar reported intercepting incoming missiles. 

The US Navy’s 5th Fleet Headquarters in Bahrain was hit by Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, reports said. Blasts were also heard near Iran’s Kharg Island, through which a significant portion of its crude oil exports pass via the Strait of Hormuz.

The renewed confrontation has further complicated diplomatic efforts over Iran’s nuclear programme and raised concerns over global oil price volatility.

The Foreign Ministry said it would continue to assess developments and urged Sri Lankans across the Middle East to monitor official communications and defer non-essential travel until the security situation stabilised.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) said yesterday that Sri Lanka had sufficient fuel stocks for at least one month despite rising concerns amid regional tensions. CPC Chairman D.J.A.S. De S. Rajakaruna said that the country had petrol for 37 days, auto diesel for 35 days, and aviation fuel for 47 days, including supplies already en route. 

He stressed that there was no need for panic, noting that most fuel imports came from countries outside the Middle East, limiting the impact of any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

(With inputs from Reuters)