SLBFE Assures Safety Measures For Sri Lankans In Middle East Amid Ongoing Conflict

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, or SLBFE, has assured that it is taking all possible measures to protect Sri Lankans residing in the Middle East amid ongoing conflicts in the region.

Chairman of the Bureau, Koshala Wickramasinghe, told News 1st that swift action has been taken through Sri Lankan embassies to provide information and assistance to citizens in need.

He says that, "We have acted swiftly and taken maximum possible measures through our embassies. Through them, we are providing necessary information to all those who seek it. Additionally, we are operating a 24-hour center at our SLBFE head office in Battaramulla. We have also facilitated a fund transfer of 5,000 to 10,000 US dollars to the relevant labor sections of the Foreign Employment Bureau to be used in the event of an emergency."

Wickramasinghe confirmed that a small number of Sri Lankans have been displaced, but the situation remains under control. He stated, "A group of about 220 people was displaced in Bahrain; they had arrived at a Sri Lankan temple there. Also, in Lebanon, there was a request to evacuate about 50 villages following an attack by Israel. We have looked into everyone and provided financial provisions to supply necessary food and dry rations. As of now, there are no reports of anyone being harmed. The situation is currently very much under control."

Despite the conflict, Wickramasinghe added that there has been no drop in foreign remittances. "There is no decrease in foreign remittances. Over the past two months, we saw a very large amount—straight towards 4 billion dollars. That is a higher value compared to the amount received during the same two months of the previous year."

Finally, the Bureau confirmed that travel for employment in the Middle East is continuing as planned, with no suspensions or limitations. Wickramasinghe said, "No, as the Foreign Employment Bureau, we haven't created any obstacles to the program we planned for this year. We have not suspended those processes. Everyone is being selected and is continuing to attend interviews."

Officials emphasize that while the conflicts continue, the SLBFE is actively monitoring the situation, ensuring the safety of Sri Lankans abroad while maintaining the flow of employment opportunities and remittances to the country.