20 Sri Lankans willing to stay back in Afghanistan, as Govt prepares to evacuate the rest

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the situation in Afghanistan and is closely monitoring developments, said the Foreign Ministry.

"Our primary concern is the safety and security of Sri Lankans living in Afghanistan and evacuating them to safety or back to Sri Lanka," it said in a statement on Saturday (21).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested the governments of USA, UK, India, Pakistan and the United Nations to assist in evacuating the Sri Lankans in Afghanistan, should they desire to do so.

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has during meetings with relevant envoys requested their assistance to the Sri Lankans in Afghanistan.

The Government of Sri Lanka is ready to provide whatever facilities needed for this purpose.

Of the total number of Sri Lankans in Afghanistan numbering eighty six (86), so far forty six (46) have already been evacuated.

As of today, twenty (20) Sri Lankans are expecting to return from Afghanistan and Foreign Ministry is making arrangements for their evacuation.

Meanwhile, twenty (20) other Sri Lankans have expressed their willingness to stay back in Afghanistan.