Steps taken by the government for those stranded in Sri Lanka due to Middle East issues

The government has taken steps to provide urgent relief to approximately ten thousand tourists from Iran, Iraq, and other Middle Eastern countries who are stranded in Sri Lanka due to the escalating war situation in the Middle East region and the resulting closure of airspace.

This crisis began on the 28th of last month with the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an attack launched jointly by the United States and Israel. In response, Iran attacked 27 American military bases in the Gulf region, creating a severe war atmosphere throughout the region. As a result, many airlines have suspended flights to the Middle East, and Pakistan also decided yesterday (03) to partially close its airspace until the upcoming 31st. Several major airlines, such as Etihad and Gulf, have also completely halted their operations.

As a measure to provide relief to tourists stranded in the country due to this emergency, the government has authorized the extension of their visas for 14 days without any additional fees, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority announced yesterday (03). The Authority also stated that a special security program is being implemented with the assistance of the Tourist Police, covering major tourist areas, to ensure the safety of all international tourists. In addition, a special information network has been established through tourist agents to identify tourists wishing to depart the country in the coming days and provide them with necessary assistance.

Meanwhile, a formal set of instructions has been issued to all service providers registered with the Tourism Development Authority, including accommodation owners, guides, and tour operators. They have been advised to pay close attention to flight schedule changes and to allow tourists flexibility when checking out of hotel rooms in case of flight delays. Service providers have also been instructed to properly manage guests' travel plans and transportation facilities in accordance with revised flight schedules.

Two 24-hour hotline services have also been introduced to provide necessary information and assistance to tourists facing the crisis. Services for linguistic and other logistical needs are provided via number 1912 at the Tourist Information Center established at Katunayake International Airport, and information regarding flight status and airport operations can be obtained via number 1994. According to reports from the Tourism Development Authority, as of the 28th of last month, 3173 Israeli nationals, 260 Iranian nationals, 185 Saudi Arabians, 69 Kuwaiti nationals, 69 Omani nationals, and Bahraini nationals, among others, were touring the country.