Why were the 35 Seychelles nationals given prominence over SL expatriates?

The opposition questioned why the government allowed 35 Seychelles nationals to be brought into the country, while 350 Sri Lankans currently residing in Seychelles for work, education or other activities remain stranded. Of more than 2000 Sri Lankans in Seychelles, a group of 350 people are stranded in the country due to several reasons including expiration of visas. Against such a backdrop, the Sri Lankan Government allowed 35 Seychelles nationals to enter the country on Saturday (23), to obtain medical treatment based on a diplomatic request and also to promote medical tourism. In light of this situation, Former State Minister Manusha Nanayakkara questioned as to why this group of 35 Seychelles nationals were brought into the island, especially at a time when Sri Lankans stranded in Seychelles are requesting repatriation. He also urged the Government to provide detailed information regarding the identities and current whereabouts of the 35 Seychelles nationals who were brought into the island. "We have heard in the past that money possessed by certain people were deposited in Seychelles, is this something related to that?", the Former State Minister quizzed further.