Colombo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism has established an Emergency Response Unit to coordinate matters arising from the ongoing tensions in the Middle East region. Issuing a statement, the Ministry said the new Division has been created with the primary objective of safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of Sri Lankan nationals in the region. With nearly one million Sri Lankans living and working across Middle Eastern countries, their protection remains the Government’s foremost priority.

According to News.LK, the Unit will also extend assistance to non-Sri Lankan nationals currently in Sri Lanka who may be affected by the prevailing situation. Such matters will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

The Emergency Response Unit will operate daily from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m., including weekends. Families and individuals seeking assistance may contact the relevant authorities through the following channels: