Repatriation efforts to be fast-tracked
(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the repatriation of Sri Lankans stranded overseas owing to coronavirus, will be fast-tracked during the next two weeks.
Secretary of the Ministry Former Navy Commander Admiral Jayanath Colambage when contacted by a prominent online news portal in the isle he has said 20,850 Lankans from 94 countries have thus far been repatriated.
He noted that priority during the next two weeks will be given to Lankans stranded in the Middle East.
Colambage said 20,850 Sri Lankans have been repatriated from 94 countries to date, adding that following the General Election, this process recommenced on the 8th of August.
He said the government hopes to continue repatriation efforts by allowing one or two flights to arrive in the island daily.
The Secretary stated accordingly the Mattala International Airport is also being utilised for repatriation efforts, in addition to the BIA.
He said during the next two weeks, special attention will be directed to Lankans in the Middle East, including Lebanon, UAE, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the Maldives.
The Former Navy Commander noted that Lankans in African countries including Uganda and Sudan will also be brought back.
The Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Colambage added that another group of 50,000 Lankans have submitted applications seeking repatriation from respective countries.
Admiral Colambage remarked that according to the latest information around 50,000 people have registered, however this number changes, as it reduces and then increases again.
He explained there are various reasons for this, as some finish academic activities and then seek to return, while there are others who lost jobs who are also among this number.
However the Secretary stated the focus is currently on a group of about 50,000 persons.