Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry said Sri Lankans to avoid visiting Lebanon over the next few days unless for essential purposes. This advisory follows escalating tensions in the region after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Minister Sabry said that approximately 6,000 Sri Lankans currently reside in Lebanon. He also mentioned that the Sri Lankan government has developed a plan to repatriate expatriate workers in Iran and nearby regions if the conflict worsens.

On Thursday, Minister Sabry said that the government has been proactive, having established a plan for such scenarios in October, which is now under review. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed two committees to monitor the situation and take necessary actions to protect Sri Lankans.

Additionally, Minister Sabry urged Sri Lankans to avoid seeking foreign employment using visit visas, highlighting recent issues faced by Sri Lankans in Myanmar and Russia who bypassed proper employment channels.