March 05, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday convened a high-level meeting at the Presidential Secretariat to assess ongoing measures aimed at protecting Sri Lankan migrant workers and tourists in light of the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The discussion focused on the steps already taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism together with the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation to monitor developments in the region and respond to potential challenges faced by Sri Lankans overseas as well as foreign visitors currently in Sri Lanka.
During the meeting, officials briefed the President on the emergency response mechanisms introduced through Sri Lanka’s diplomatic missions. Round-the-clock assistance services have been activated through embassies and consulates in affected countries to provide immediate support for Sri Lankan nationals and tourists if required.
Authorities reported that, according to the latest information received from diplomatic missions, there have been no reports of serious injuries involving Sri Lankan citizens living in the conflict-affected areas. Embassies have also been directed to provide guidance and assistance to those who have already sought help.
Officials further noted that hotlines established by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment are continuing to receive and process inquiries. These channels have mainly dealt with administrative matters such as visa extensions and immigration-related documentation.
A number of workers have sought clarification regarding travel and employment documentation, while a small number of financial inquiries have also been recorded. However, no requests for special evacuation flights have been submitted so far.
The meeting also explored ways to support Sri Lankan migrant workers who may have temporarily returned home due to the regional tensions. Authorities agreed to communicate with relevant foreign governments through diplomatic channels to request a grace period that would allow these workers to resume their employment once conditions stabilise.
President Dissanayake also instructed officials to compile updated information on Sri Lankan citizens who had travelled to Middle Eastern countries for tourism or business and may currently face difficulties returning home. Necessary arrangements, he said, should be prepared in advance to facilitate their safe return if required.
Representatives from SriLankan Airlines informed the meeting that international flight operations are gradually returning to normal levels and that the national carrier would be able to accommodate any necessary travel arrangements without major difficulty.
Several ministers and senior government officials attended the discussion, including representatives from the foreign affairs, tourism, aviation and foreign employment sectors, along with senior administrative officials and heads of relevant state institutions responsible for travel, immigration and overseas employment.
