The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed all Sri Lanka Missions in Europe to take necessary action to render suitable consular assistance to those who have been affected by the cancellation of a large number of flights to and from many European capitals due to the volcanic eruptions in Iceland during the past few days.
In this context, the Sri Lanka High Commission in London has already operationalised an emergency 24-hour hotline to render assistance to affected Sri Lankan nationals.
The High Commission in London has also worked out an arrangement with the Italian Embassy in London to facilitate Schengen visas to enable any Sri Lankan national to reach Rome by ferry and road, from where the traveller could fly to Colombo. The High Commission in London is also providing assistance concerning the extension of visas where necessary, the Foreign Ministry stated in a press release.
The Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also opened a desk under the supervision of a Director to coordinate matters concerning the welfare of Sri Lankan nationals affected by this development, with Lankan Missions in Europe.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to coordinate with Sri Lanka Missions in Europe to provide all necessary assistance to Sri Lankan nationals affected by this crisis until the situation allows flights to resume.
Courtesy: Presidential Secretariat