What will happen to Sri Lankans because Arab countries are isolating Qatar?

What will happen to Sri Lankans because Arab countries are isolating Qatar?

It was agreed yesterday by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and the Maldives to cut off ties with the State of Qatar for providing support to terrorists, thus severing diplomatic connections with her. Under these circumstances problems may crop up by way of food, communication and international airspace for the Sri Lankans numbering upto almost 125,000 living in Qatar, it is reported.

Steps had been taken to refuse changing Qatar Riyals into Rupees at bank branches at Katunayaka Airport from yesterday.

The change which spurred this situation, it is reported were discussions carried out by American President Trump with leaders of Saudi and Egypt. According to Trump's conditions, by isolating Arab countries who maintain connections with terrorists, other countries facing problems in the future would be minimised. According to announcements yesterday all Emirate, Ethas, Fly Dubai and Air Arabia flights operating uptu Qatar will be halted from today (6). As a result of this situation a severe unrest keeps developing within the Gulf Zone. Reuter News has reported that a period of 2 weeks has been given to Qatar nationals and those who have come on tour from Qatar, to exit. Whatever it is, Minister of Foreign Employment, Thalatha Athukorala has responded to an inquiry made by BBC Sinhala Service that because of the above decision no influence will be created on Sri Lankans living there or on diplomatic relations of Sri Lanka.

As approximately 40% of food items used for consumption in Qatar are being transported by lorries from Saudi, the stability of food in Qatar would be affected instantly as a consequence of this suspension of relationships, it is learned. The Doha Qatar News newspaper has reported that the public are streaming into markets to store food items and water, under this crisis situation.

Though these issues were in motion with Qatar affecting other Arab countries, State of Qatar did not deal in those matters with a flexible policy. Though neighbouring countries tried to change Qatar in this respect, it turned out to be futile, it was reported. The Foreign Ministry of Qatar thoroughly rejected allegations targetted at her. The State of Qatar has informed that she would be taking all steps to prevent her masses from facing any impact in this connection.