Assistance for stranded Lankans

20 April 2010 12:26 pm

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has instructed all Sri Lankan Missions in Europe to take necessary action to render suitable consular assistance to Sri Lankan nationals who are currently stranded in European capitals due to the volcanic eruptions in Iceland.

According to a statement by the Ministry, the Sri Lanka High Commission in London has already operationalised an emergency 24-hour hotline to render assistance to affected Sri Lankans.

The High Commission in London has also worked out an arrangement with the Italian Embassy in London to facilitate Schengen visas to enable any Sri Lankan national to reach Rome by ferry and road, from where the traveler could fly to Colombo.

The High Commission in London is also providing assistance concerning the extension of visas where necessary.

The Consular Affairs Division of the Foreign Affairs Ministry has also opened a desk under the supervision of a Director to coordinate matters concerning the welfare of Sri Lankan nationals affected by this development, with its Missions in Europe. (Daily Mirror online)