The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed today (25) that several Sri Lankan nationals have been safely evacuated from conflict-affected areas in Iran and Israel, while coordinated repatriation efforts continue via Türkiye and Egypt.
In its latest daily briefing, the Ministry reported that a staff member and a student previously based in Iran were successfully escorted across the Iran–Türkiye border. The operation was conducted by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Tehran and facilitated by the Sri Lankan Honorary Consul in Erzurum, Türkiye.
Additionally, another Sri Lankan national, identified as Ms Thilakarathne, was transferred from Bandar Abbas to Sajah by ferry service. Two other Sri Lankan businessmen currently await passage to Dubai via ferry.
Limited flights resume from Israel
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, reported that both Iran and Israel have agreed to uphold the current ceasefire. As a result, authorities are expected to lift restrictions on public gatherings and celebrations in the coming days.
A limited number of international flights have resumed from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport, with more expected depending on security developments. Three Sri Lankan nationals who departed from Israel have safely arrived in Colombo via Cairo, Egypt.
Sri Lankans currently in Sri Lanka and planning to return to Israel are advised to liaise with their respective employment or travel agencies, as ticket demand is expected to be high in the coming days.
Embassy support in Türkiye
In Türkiye, the Embassy in Ankara confirmed that student Zahara Mariyam Abdul Razack and K.S. Priyankara, a staff member of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Tehran, successfully crossed the Kapıköy–Razi border. They were received by Sri Lanka’s Honorary Consul in Erzurum and provided with temporary accommodation.
Due to the unavailability of connecting flights from Erzurum to Istanbul or Ankara before 28 June, the Embassy has arranged travel bookings for both individuals on that date. The Honorary Consul is continuing to support their stay by providing meals, local transport, and lodging until departure.
The Ministry has assured that it is closely monitoring the situation in all affected regions and remains in regular contact with diplomatic missions to ensure the safety of Sri Lankan nationals abroad.