(UTV | COLOMBO) – The Ministry of Foreign Relations has refuted allegations claiming the government prioritized persons returning from European countries over those working in Middle Eastern countries, when repatriating Sri Lankans stranded overseas, amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Department of Government Information Director General of the Ministry Kandeepan Balasubramaniam said all repatriation activities are being carried out based on a priority document and with a sound understanding of the current situation.
The Director General said 26 flights carrying foreign expatriates had landed in the country over the past few days, while only three of those flights arriving from European countries.
Director General Balasubramaniam said all activities pertaining to bringing back Sri Lankans stranded overseas due to travel restrictions are being carried out by the Foreign Ministry.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau has taken measures to facilitate the return of 190 Sri Lankans to South Korea on Tuesday.
The group had arrived in Sri Lanka on holiday and were unable to return to South Korea due to travel restrictions amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Government Information Department General Manager of the Foreign Employment Bureau WMV Wansekara said the group is set to depart to South Korea on board a special flight from the Mattala International Airport.