The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) says it is taking all possible measures to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans residing in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
SLBFE Chairman Koshala Wickramasinghe said swift action has been taken through Sri Lankan embassies to provide information and assistance to citizens who may require support.
He stated that the bureau has activated a 24-hour assistance center at its head office in Battaramulla and is coordinating closely with Sri Lankan missions abroad.
“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 labour sections to be used in the event of an emergency,” Wickramasinghe said.
He confirmed that a small number of Sri Lankans have been displaced due to the conflict but noted that the situation remains under control.
According to Wickramasinghe, around 220 Sri Lankans in Bahrain were temporarily displaced and had taken shelter at a Sri Lankan temple. He also said that authorities had responded to a request in Lebanon to assist about 50 villages following an attack.
“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,” he added.
Despite the regional conflict, Wickramasinghe said foreign remittances to Sri Lanka have not declined.
“There is no decrease in foreign remittances. Over the past two months, remittances have approached nearly 4 billion US dollars, which is higher than the amount received during the same period last year,” he noted.
The SLBFE also confirmed that employment-related travel to Middle Eastern countries continues without suspension or restrictions.
“As the Foreign Employment Bureau, we have not created any obstacles to the program planned for this year. We have not suspended those processes. Recruitment and interviews are continuing as scheduled,” Wickramasinghe said.
Officials emphasized that while the conflict continues, the bureau is closely monitoring developments and working to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans abroad while maintaining employment opportunities and the flow of remittances to the country.
