Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath holds telephone conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister

09-Mar-2026

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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath stated that he held a telephone conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, during which he discussed the welfare of more than 29,000 Sri Lankans living in Israel and received assurances regarding their safety.

Following the killing of Iran’s senior leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the 28th of last month in a joint United States–Israeli airstrike, tensions in the Middle East have intensified. 

In a related development, the Iranian Navy warship “IRIS Dana” was reportedly sunk about 40 miles south of the Sri Lankan city of Galle in an attack carried out by a United States nuclear-powered submarine.

Amid the tense situation that has also created concern in Sri Lanka, Minister Vijitha Herath stated that his priority is to ensure the safety of Sri Lankan citizens living abroad, particularly in countries affected by conflict.

He further noted that during his telephone discussion with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, he received assurances regarding the safety of the more than 29,000 Sri Lankans currently residing in Israel.

The Minister also stated in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account that he discussed with the Israeli Foreign Minister the urgent need to ensure regional peace through diplomatic channels.