The Government of Sri Lanka has expressed grave concerns about the latest developments in the Middle East.

Hence, the Government called on all parties to take concrete steps to deescalate the situation. All concerned parties should return to dialogue and engage in intense diplomatic efforts to establish and maintain peace with a view to ensuring stability in the Middle East region, the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs read. This statement was issued in the context of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel has confirmed yesterday (23) that no Sri Lankan casualties have been reported in the past 24 hours, as a result of the ongoing military conflict. The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, stated that three more Sri Lankans stranded in Israel due to the current security situation were scheduled to travel to Eilat today (24). From there, they will proceed to Egypt via the Taba border crossing and are expected to return to Sri Lanka through the Cairo International Airport. He further noted that 12 more Sri Lankans arrived at the Embassy on 22 June seeking assistance to return to Sri Lanka. Arrangements are currently being made for their repatriation in the coming days.

In addition, the Government of India is operating several special evacuation flights from Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan to New Delhi, aimed at repatriating Indian nationals working in Israel. The Indian Embassy in Israel has informed the Sri Lankan Embassy that a number of Sri Lankans can also be accommodated on these flights. Bandara confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka has approved the use of these flights for Sri Lankan nationals. Accordingly, Sri Lankans intending to travel on these flights were registered at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel yesterday and are being registered today, he added.