4,500 Sri Lankans brought back so far

Around 4,500 Sri Lankans have been brought back to Sri Lanka by now, Co-cabinet spokesman Plantation Industries and Export Agriculture Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said.

He said over 41,000 Sri Lankan expatriates are awaiting to return to Sri Lanka.

He said the Government is taking necessary action to bring them back gradually. Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Government Information Department Dr. Pathirana said the Cabinet approved the proposal made by Foreign Affairs Minister Dinesh Gunawardane. Sri Lankans from Russia and Bangladesh are due to be brought back here tomorrow and the day after. Sri Lankans in Qatar and Belarus will be brought to Sri Lanka on May 26 and 28.

Dr Pathirana said the President has also instructed relevant authorities to bring back Sri Lankans in Maldives and Middle-East countries. Around 6,870 Sri Lankans are currently in Maldives and a large number of appeals have already been received from them. Around 11,000 Sri Lankans are on short term Visas and the Government will take necessary measures to bring them back to the country.