SL on alert as Iran-Israel conflict unpredictable: Minister

• Says Sri Lanka is ready to take alternative steps especially where trade and the economy is concerned
• States government has decided not to allow the Sri Lankan expatriates in Iran and Israel who have come back to Sri Lanka on holiday to return

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

Sri Lanka is on alert as the Iran and Israel conflict has become unpredictable, Minister of External Affairs Vijitha Herath told Parliament yesterday.   

“No one knows what circumstances the conflict in Middle East would lead to and Sri Lanka is ready to take alternative steps especially where trade and the economy is concerned,” the Minister said.   

He revealed that the Sri Lankan Embassy staff in the Iranian capital of Teheran have been evacuated, Minister of External Affairs Vijitha Herath told Parliament yesterday. The Minister said the Embassy will be shifted to a temporary location, where its services will continue. He said some eight Sri Lankan students have been moved along with the Embassy staff while few other Sri Lankan students in Iran are ready to move away along with their Indian friends.   

He said attacks are also taking place close to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel and personnel there have been adviced to be vigilant and take necessary precautions.   

The Minister added that four Sri Lankans, three women and one man, have sustained injuries in the conflict to date.   

The Minister revealed that 20,000 Sri Lankan expatriates are living in Israel to date while there are only 35 Sri Lankans in Iran at the moment. “Some Sri Lankans in Iran are married to citizens in that country,” the Minister revealed.   

He said government has decided not to allow the Sri Lankan expatriates in Iran and Israel who have come back to Sri Lanka on holiday to return.