More return from Libya

By Shezna Shums

Over 450 Sri Lankans returned home from Libya where riots and violence are forcing foreigners to flee the country.

Over the weekend about 300 Sri Lankans arrived in the country and a further 24 Sri Lankans are expected to return to the country today.

All travel expenses of persons travelling from Libya to Sri Lanka direct or through other countries are being met by the government. The Government is also meeting all expenses needed for these persons to return to their homes including expenses relating to food and lodging.

The Sri Lankan embassy in Libya had been provided with Rs. 2 million to meet the expenses of the Sri Lankans fleeing the country. “More money will be provided by the government if there is a need,” said Publicity Manager, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, K. Ramanayake.

Currently the SLFEB has imposed a temporary ban on Sri Lankans travelling to Libya for employment. The SLFEB said there were about 1000 Sri Lankans working in Libya and many of them had made their way to other countries in the region to catch a flight to Sri Lanka.

SLFEB officials also noted that it was difficult to get in touch with all Sri Lankans in the country because of problems with electricity and the telephone services.

Riots and violence have not only affected Libya but also other countries in the region such as Bahrain, Yemen, and Oman, where there are Sri Lankans either residing or working.

Sri Lankan migrant workers bring in a large amount of foreign exchange to the country, and according to the SLFEB the number of Sri Lankans leaving for foreign employment has been increasing despite the end of the ethnic war in Sri Lanka.