The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally communicated with the Sri Lankan Embassy, suggesting the possibility that Sujith Bandara, a Sri Lankan national who went missing following an Israeli attack by Hamas militants on October 7, might be among the hostages held by Hamas militants.

Ambassador Nimal Bandara confirmed that both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and the family of Sujith Bandara Yatawara have been apprised of this development. The Israeli police have obtained DNA samples from unidentified deceased individuals, with a particular focus on collecting samples from Yatawara's children. An ongoing investigation is aimed at determining whether there is a DNA match between these samples and the missing individual.

Ambassador Nimal Bandara has also highlighted a revision in the number of missing individuals, initially recorded as 222. According to updated information, the count of missing persons stands at 239. Additionally, the ambassador disclosed that four hostages have been released by Hamas.

In response to these developments, Ambassador Nimal Bandara has pledged to collaborate with the Israeli government and all relevant parties to facilitate the potential rescue of Sujith Bandara from his undisclosed location.