- Lankan youth injured following Iranian missile attack
Sri Lankans currently unable to enter Israel due to the closure of the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, to international flights can make travel arrangements via Jordan and Egypt, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara has confirmed.
Bandara noted that those wishing to travel between Sri Lanka and Israel can obtain short-term visas from the respective countries and enter Israel through land border crossings, including those near the city of Eilat.
He said that during a briefing with ambassadors and diplomats in Israel, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar had stated that he could not confirm a specific date for the reopening of the said airport. However, he emphasised that those with urgent travel needs can enter and exit Israel via land through the Amman Airport in Jordan or the Cairo Airport in Egypt.
The development comes as Israel and Iran continue to trade missiles, with neither side showing any sign of backing down.
Meanwhile, a Sri Lankan youth employed in Bnei Brak, Israel, has sustained injuries following missile attacks carried out by Iran earlier on 16 June. Bandara confirmed that necessary steps have been taken to provide treatment to the youth who has sustained injuries in one of his legs. The youth from Akuressa is employed in the construction sector, he said.
On 15 June, a Sri Lankan woman residing in Bat Yam, Israel, sustained minor injuries in overnight attacks carried out by Iran. The incident was reported at around 4 a.m. and according to the embassy, she sustained injuries from a broken glass falling on her right hand. Her condition is reported to be stable and not serious, according to Bandara.
Additionally, another Sri Lankan woman working in a residence south of Tel Aviv was evacuated with her host family after a strong tremor shook the house.
Overnight, Iranian ballistic missile attacks continued to target Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the surrounding areas. Several buildings caught fire, and there have been three confirmed fatalities along with multiple injuries.
The Sri Lankan Embassy said that officials are monitoring the situation around the clock. Any Sri Lankan nationals who have been affected or are in danger have been urged to contact the embassy immediately.