Minister Manusha Nanayakkara pays his respects to Anula Ratnayake

Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara paid his respects to Anula Ratnayake, a caregiver who died in Israel, at her residence in Eriyawattiya this afternoon.

Speaking to the media, he said, “Anula Ratnayake was a dedicated caregiver who fulfilled her duties conscientiously. I have conveyed the condolences of our Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Government of Israel to Anula’s relatives. All compensation owed to Anula will be provided accordingly.

I would like to highlight that Israel regards Anula Ratnayake as a heroine who lost her life due to the conflict in their country. Anula was the first woman to be honored as a heroine of both Sri Lanka and Israel, serving under the national flags of both nations.”

The Government stands ready to facilitate Lankan workers who wish to return to Sri Lanka due to the prevailing situation in Israel. However, it is important to note that no requests have been made to this effect.

We have received information that Sri Lankans in conflict zones, not only in Israel, but also in neighboring countries, are currently safe. As a Government, we have made all necessary arrangements to bring them back to this country at any time, not only in Israel but anywhere in the world.

Sri Lanka maintains a neutral position in the Israel-Palestine conflict. We strongly advocate for peace and oppose any form of war or conflict.

I do not approve of granting visas to Sri Lankans who are currently living and working in Israel, even after their visas have expired.

However, this visa issuance process falls under the purview of the Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Israel.

It has come to my attention that the media have reported visa issuance to individuals in Israel, even after their visas have lapsed.

In my view, it is illegal to issue visas to those who have left this country and are staying illegally in Israel.

The post Minister Manusha Nanayakkara pays his respects to Anula Ratnayake appeared first on DailyNews.