54 Sri Lankans evacuated from Yemen

The Government of Sri Lanka today said that at present 54 Sri Lankans have been evacuated from Yemen.

“43 Sri Lankans were evacuated to Djibouti by a Chinese vessel on 6 April 2015, while India and Indonesia each evacuated 3 Sri Lankans. Previously, 5 Sri Lankans who had crossed over to Oman, from Mukalla were received in Salalah by officials of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Oman, who facilitated their return to Sri Lanka.”

“An operational center was set-up in Djibouti by the Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Nairobi to coordinate evacuation and repatriation of Sri Lankans,” the Foreign Ministry said.

29 Sri Lankans are expected to arrive in Colombo from Djibouti today by flight QR 656 (8th April) at 8.15 pm.

The Minister of Foreign Employment and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs will receive them at the airport.

“The Government of Sri Lanka appreciates the ready assistance of the Chinese Government and all other Governments who are assisting in the evacuation efforts,” the statement said.  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is coordinating closely with the Ministry of Foreign Employment and the Foreign Employment Bureau to bring back the remaining Sri Lankans.