Sri Lanka Activates 24-Hour Emergency Response for Nationals Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is directly intervening to provide relief and assistance to Sri Lankans affected by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking exclusively to News 1st, Ministry Spokesperson Thushara Rodrigo stated that, in coordination with Sri Lankan embassies, authorities are closely monitoring the situation in the region around the clock. 

In the event of an emergency, Sri Lankans can contact the 1989 hotline or reach out via WhatsApp at +94 71 980 2822.

He added that the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment has established a 24-hour operations centre to respond to urgent matters. In addition, individuals can report concerns to the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at +94 74 259 5546.

Approximately one million Sri Lankans are currently residing in the Middle East. The Ministry confirmed that, so far, no Sri Lankan nationals in the region have been reported harmed.

Sri Lankans in the Middle East are advised to follow updates and guidance issued by Sri Lankan embassies and through official media channels. 

The Ministry has also urged citizens to temporarily postpone any planned travel to the Middle East due to the current situation.

Ministry Spokesperson Thushara Rodrigo further stated that Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will oversee and coordinate the emergency communication channels established to assist those in need.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala announced that a one-week visa concession period has been granted to individuals unable to return to their home countries due to airspace closures caused by the conflict.

Tensions escalated in the Middle East yesterday after Israel launched missile strikes on Iran.

Foreign media reported that the United States and Israel began carrying out airstrikes early yesterday morning targeting military sites in Iran, including locations in the capital, Tehran.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, provided an update on the current situation, stating that approximately 29,000 Sri Lankans are currently employed in Israel, primarily in the construction sector.

He noted that several Sri Lankan workers had planned to travel back to Sri Lanka; however, due to the ongoing conflict, they will be required to remain in Israel for a longer period than anticipated.

The Ambassador further explained that flights to the Middle East have been suspended following the closure of multiple airspaces, particularly affecting commercial and passenger services.