Latest Israel Security Situation and Advice to Sri Lankans

 Four Sri Lankans who crossed into Egypt via the TABA border to travel to Colombo were detained and questioned for several hours due to the absence of valid Israeli visas. However, with the coordination of the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Egypt, Mr. Sisira Seneviratne, and the task force with Egyptian security and border authorities, they were assisted by the security forces and arrived at Cairo International Airport yesterday morning. They were released at 02.00 AM today and are scheduled to depart for Sri Lanka.

Another three individuals, who arrived yesterday intending to travel to Sri Lanka, have had their documentation prepared by the Embassy. They are also scheduled to travel via the TABA border to Cairo Airport and then on to Colombo. The Sri Lankan Embassy in Egypt is coordinating their arrangements.

 The Embassy has received information that a group of 119 Sri Lankans, currently employed in Israel, have returned to Sri Lanka for vacation. Additionally, 10 individuals who had been stranded at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports have also returned to Sri Lanka. The Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) has been informed and is taking steps to extend their re-entry visas. PIBA has assured that necessary measures will be taken as soon as international flights resume, not only for Sri Lankans but for all foreign nationals whose re-entry visas expired due to the Iranian attacks. The Embassy will continue to assist Sri Lankans with re-entry visa extensions.

 Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Israel has announced that special repatriation flights will operate from Amman, Jordan, to New Delhi, India, for Indian nationals. Sri Lankans wishing to travel to Colombo via Amman and New Delhi may also use this route. Interested persons are kindly requested to register with the Embassy.

 Normal life in Israel continues. Shops remain open and essential government services are functioning. However, restrictions on public gatherings of more than 20 people are still in place. Schools and universities remain closed, with education continuing online.

The Embassy remains in regular contact with a Sri Lankan student pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Haifa and is monitoring his situation closely.

 Tel Aviv International Airport and Israeli airspace remain closed.Israeli security forces and PIBA are continuously updating information relevant to foreign workers. All Sri Lankans are advised to remain vigilant and stay informed.

The Embassy will be open today for regular consular services. Anyone requiring assistance for travel to Sri Lanka or other official matters is welcome to visit.

Nimal Bandara