At least 131 Sri Lankans have been stranded at airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman due to disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said.
He said 109 Sri Lankans are currently stranded at an airport in Saudi Arabia, while another 22 remain at an airport in Oman. However, some of those in Oman may have already returned to Sri Lanka on an Oman Air flight that arrived early Wednesday.
Speaking in Parliament in response to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Herath said the Government is acting in accordance with security restrictions imposed by the affected countries and safety measures implemented by airlines.
The minister also said authorities have received 10 requests from relatives seeking assistance to bring expatriate Sri Lankans back home.
In addition, four individuals have reported losing contact with family members in the Middle East, while others have sought information about the evolving situation in the region, he added.
