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Lankan expatriates not in immediate danger of war

by Manjula Fernando

There had not been any distress calls from Sri Lankan employees in Kuwait or any other country in the Gulf Region up to yesterday, Foreign Employment Welfare Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.

Speaking at a Media conference at the Labour Ministry yesterday Minister Abeywardena said that this indicates that Sri Lankans are not in immediate danger of war.

"Some of the Sri Lankans in Kuwait have raised concerns over the issue of air pollution due to the burning oil mines but not seriously about the war."

However, he said, the Government has put all its missions on alert of any situation, issued guidelines and released funds for contingency measures. Discussions have already been held with SriLankan and Kuwait Airlines concerning emergency evacuation. "We are ready," he said.

He denied allegations by the PA media spokesman Sarath Amunugama that they have not taken adequate measures to ensure the safety of Sri Lankan employees in the Middle East saying the Government made preparations to face a situation long before the war broke out in Iraq and all missions in the gulf region have been provided with adequate funds to be utilised in a time of emergency.

"Jordanian mission has stock piled enough food for four months and guidelines have been issued on acquisition of vacant buildings in Kuwait and other countries facing a possible threat.

Minister said this step has been taken as evacuation of several thousands of people by air could take more than one day.

During the discussions the SriLankan and Kuwait Airlines have promised to charter flights from other airline services if additional flights were needed for the task. Nevertheless, the Minister emphasised that there was no need for an immediate mass evacuation.

"We need not cause panic among the relatives and friends of Middle East employees here. The situation is being monitored around the clock and a report is received from missions on the current situation every six hours."

Commenting on the closing of Sri Lankan Embassy in Iraq Minister Abeywardena said all Sri Lankans in Iraq (21) were evacuated before the Ambassador's departure to Amman.

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