Sri Lanka Prepares for Worst-Case Scenario in Middle East Crisis

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has reached a consensus to repatriate its citizens if the conflict in the Middle East escalates, following a meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee appointed to assess potential challenges arising from the situation.

The committee, chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, convened to discuss the impact of global instability on Sri Lanka’s economy and foreign relations.

Key topics included:
- The potential effects on imports and exports to the Middle East.
- The impact on foreign employment, tourism, and foreign reserves.
- The status of fuel, gas, and coal reserves, and existing orders for the coming months.

Although there is currently no immediate threat to fuel and gas imports, the committee agreed to identify alternative suppliers as a precautionary measure.

Additionally, the committee emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate stocks of other essential goods imported from the region and preparing for possible disruptions in supply chains.

Minister Herath also instructed officials to explore new trade markets to mitigate risks to Sri Lankan exports, particularly in the tea sector.

The committee further discussed the potential impact on foreign remittances, which could be affected by instability in the Middle East.