June 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankans currently residing in the country on holiday while employed in Israel have been urged to take immediate action in light of the ongoing unrest in the region, according to a special advisory issued by the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in Tel Aviv.
With air travel severely disrupted due to the escalating hostilities and closure of airports in Israel, returning to the country as scheduled has become increasingly uncertain. The Sri Lankan Embassy has warned that individuals who are unable to re-enter Israel before their visa validity lapses may face restrictions on future travel, potentially barring them from returning to their places of employment.
Ambassador Nimal Bandara, speaking from Tel Aviv, stressed that it is imperative for all affected Sri Lankan nationals to notify the embassy without delay if their return is likely to be postponed. He explained that efforts are already underway to engage with Israeli authorities to explore the possibility of extending the re-entry visa period for affected individuals.
However, he underscored that the embassy needs to receive accurate information from citizens currently in Sri Lanka in order to advocate effectively on their behalf.
To facilitate the process, Sri Lankans who are temporarily in Sri Lanka but employed in Israel have been asked to send their personal details via WhatsApp to one of the following numbers: 071-844 7305, 071-683 3513, or 071-974 2095.
The embassy has specifically requested that these details be submitted by the end of today, 15 June, to ensure timely coordination.
In a related development, the Sri Lankan Embassy has confirmed that a Sri Lankan woman residing in the coastal city of Bat Yam sustained minor injuries during overnight attacks carried out by Iran. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, involved the shattering of glass windows, resulting in a cut to the woman’s right hand. She was promptly attended to, and her injuries have been described as non-critical. Ambassador Bandara noted that her condition is stable and that she is receiving appropriate care.
