According to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel, it has been confirmed that two Sri Lankans have gone missing since the time conflict broke out last Saturday between Israel and Hamas.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel Nimal Bandara making a special statement said that nearly 20 Sri Lankans who are working near the Gaza Strip are being taken away from the present houses where they are staying to other safe houses.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has set aside USD 20,000 to provide relief to all affected Sri Lankans living in Israel, Ambassador Bandara said. In addition, the Foreign Employment Bureau has also approved and allocated US$ 10,000 to provide food and medical treatment for affected Sri Lankans in Israel if they face any emergency situations.
Unofficial sources have confirmed that one Sri Lankan was killed and two others were missing during the latest round of clashes in Israel. International Red Cross Representatives have collected more information from the family members of the two Sri Lankans said to have disappeared in Israel.
Based on a statement made by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel Nimal Bandara, a report has been obtained about the photographs and body sizes required to identify the two missing Sri Lankans in Israel and the information will be sent to the International Red Cross in Israel to be used to identify the two people.
There are presently more than 8,000 Sri Lankans living in Israel. Meanwhile, it is reported that on October 12, the Cabinet has discussed at length on the withdrawal of Sri Lankan workers from Israel in case of any emergency owing to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
