(UTV|COLOMBO) – The Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Relations Ravinatha Aryasinha has advised Sri Lankan diplomats in the Middle East to issue directives to Sri Lankans residing in respective countries to remain cautious given the tense situation in the Middle East.
A special circular in this regard has been issued by the Secretary to the Ministry to Sri Lanka High Commissions in 12 countries and a consular mission in the Middle East region.
The circular has been issued to Lankan Ambassadors in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar and Saudi.
The Sri Lanka Consular office in Dubai has also been issued the circular. The circular advises Lankans to remain no alert and to avoid areas of congestion.
The Foreign Ministry Secretary also advised Lankans to have their travel documents ready and easily accessible.
Around 1 million Lankan are engaged in employment in the Middle East with a majority in the UAE, amounting to nearly 200,000.
Around 180,000 are in Qatar, 130,000 in Saudi, 120,000 in Kuwait, 30,000 in Oman and 8,000 in Bahrain.