Saudi Arabia facilitates evacuation of Lankans from Sudan

Saudi Arabia has facilitated the evacuation of 13 Sri Lankans from Sudan in the wake of fierce fighting between the Sudanese Army and paramilitary group known as Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Fighting erupted several days ago for the control of capital Khartoum and other strategically important locations.

News agencies reported that RSF forces commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo have challenged the Sudanese armed forces commanded by its de-facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

The following is the text of a media release issued by the Foreign Ministry in Colombo in this regard: “Ensuring the safety and security of Sri Lankans stranded in the Republic of Sudan is the primary concern of the Government of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka continues to monitor the evolving security situation in Sudan and is closely working with its international partners, including the Government of India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to evacuate the stranded Sri Lankans.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Cairo and Sri Lanka’s Honorary Consul in Khartoum are in regular contact with the relevant parties in Khartoum, including the Sudanese authorities and the Indian Embassy in Khartoum, to secure safe evacuation.

As of this morning (26/4), thirteen (13) Sri Lankans who were evacuated with the assistance of the Saudi Government have been received in Jeddah by Sri Lanka’s Acting Consul General. Twelve (12) more Sri Lankans are in Port Sudan awaiting evacuation.

The Government of Sri Lanka is making every effort to evacuate the remaining Sri Lankans in Khartoum, taking into account the need for safe passage in a volatile security situation.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Cairo can be reached via e-mail : slcairoconsular@gmail.com and telephone +201272813000. The Secretary of the Honorary Consulate of Sri Lanka in Khartoum Mr. Sayed Abdel can be contacted via telephone +249912394035 for any immediate assistance. “