Foreign Ministry issues security guidelines for Sri Lankans in Middle East

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism of Sri Lanka is actively observing the changing security situation in the Middle East. The safety of the nearly one million Sri Lankans living and working in this area is the Government’s top concern, according to a special statement released today (28). Due to the current unrest in the region, all Sri Lankan citizens in the Middle East are strongly encouraged to follow specific security guidelines. A spokesperson for the ministry mentioned that all Sri Lankan Diplomatic Missions have been instructed to set up emergency hotlines that will operate 24/7 to assist the community directly. Additionally, the Consular Affairs Division and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) will soon share specific contact numbers for families in Sri Lanka to reach out for help regarding their relatives in the Middle East. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining close communication with all Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in the Middle Eastern area and will continue to monitor the situation. These missions have established emergency hotlines so that people can contact them and stay connected in case of any urgent needs. Currently, there has not been much effect on the Sri Lankans in the Middle East, according to the foreign ministry spokesperson. The heads of the missions are in regular contact with the Foreign Ministry, and an emergency hotline will be available shortly.