Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara extended his condolences to the family of Anula Jayathilake, a caregiver who passed away in Israel. He visited her residence in Eriyawattiya this afternoon to pay his respects.
Minister Nanayakkara, speaking to the media, expressed his appreciation for Anula’s conscientious dedication to her caregiving duties. He conveyed the condolences of the Sri Lankan government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Government of Israel to Anula’s grieving relatives. He also assured that all compensation owed to Anula would be duly provided.
Addressing the situation of Sri Lankan workers in Israel, Minister Nanayakkara emphasized the government’s readiness to facilitate their return to Sri Lanka, should they wish to do so due to the current circumstances. He noted that, to date, no formal requests for repatriation had been received from Sri Lankan workers in Israel.
The Minister assured the public that the government has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the safety and repatriation of Sri Lankan citizens in conflict zones, not only in Israel but anywhere in the world.
Regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, Minister Nanayakkara emphasized Sri Lanka’s neutral stance and strong advocacy for peace while opposing all forms of war and conflict.
In response to concerns about visa issuance to Sri Lankans in Israel whose visa periods have expired, Minister Nanayakkara expressed his disapproval of such practices. However, he clarified that the authority to issue visas in Israel falls under the jurisdiction of the Sri Lankan ambassador to Israel.
The Minister addressed media reports regarding the issuance of visas to individuals in Israel who are residing in the country illegally, labeling such practices as illegal.
He concluded by highlighting that Israel recognizes Anula Jayathilake as a heroine who lost her life due to the conflict in their country, honoring her as the first woman to be recognized as a heroine by both Sri Lanka and Israel, serving under the national flags of both nations.
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