War in Iraq; no immediate plans to evacuate SL migrant workers-FM 
[March 20, 2003 - 10.00 GMT]

The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry sources said today there are no immediate plans to airlift migrant workers in West Asia. The situation has to be assessed first says the Ministry.

A spokesman from the Ministry said. “A Special Task Force set up by the Foreign Ministry has identified safe places for migrant workers to camp temporarily during repatriation, if the situation intensifies”. 

Asked about plans for Sri Lankan workers in Kuwait the closest to the war zone, he said “The Kuwaiti government called for an emergency Parliamentary session in order to discuss measures to look after the foreign nationals living there and have already allocated a fund in this regard. The Kuwaiti Government has assured the safety of our people…There is no situation of panic”.

According to the Ministry the Saudi Government has agreed to grant transit visas and passage through their country. “If the situation deteriorates we will ask the UN Agency to help us” the spokesman further said.

The personnel of the Sri Lankan mission in Iraq meanwhile have moved to neighboring Jordan, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Amman is facilitating their stay there.

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Last Updated Date: March 20, 2003  - 10.00 GMT.