News
SL workers to be given military training in Israel – Hakeem
Govt. denies claim as baseless
by Saman Indrajith
SLMC leader and SJB Kandy District MP Rauff Hakeem told Parliament on Saturday that Sri Lankan expatriate workers planning to go to Israel were to be given military training in that country.
Hakeem said numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity had taken place in and around Gaza. “Israel is surrounded by Arab countries where hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans are working. We must reject Israel’s offer. This is a very sensitive matter. There is a plan to give military training to expatriate workers in Israel. They are to be given guns even if they work there as caregivers. These expatriate workers are to fill the vacancies created by the workers who have left due to war.
There is a five-day ceasefire, but war will resume. Sri Lankan workers are to be employed as farmers in areas grabbed by Israel from the Palestinians in Gaza. Several envoys from the Arabic countries have raised this question with me. Presidents of South Africa and Brazil have come close to severing diplomatic ties with Israel. It is not wise to send our people to Israel at a time when other countries are planning to suspend ties with that country. We should not be opportunistic. Please, reconsider the decision to send Lankans there and think of the consequences of them getting weapons training. There could be unintended consequences.
“We extend our condolences to the family members of two Lankan expatriate workers who were killed in the war. If such incidents recur then that could lead to disharmony among communities here. Please reconsider this decision at this time,” Hakeem said.
SLPP Polonnaruwa District MP Jagath Samarawickrama said those who were happy when the doctors left this country were now shedding tears for the Sri Lanka Lankans to be sent to Israel. “This is an opportunity that we must grab. I condemn this attempt to prevent us from using that opportunity,” the MP said.
Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara said that there was no truth in the allegation by MP Hakeem. He said that Sri Lanka had got an opportunity to send 10,000 workers to Israel.
“No military training is provided for Sri Lankan expatriates. Making false allegations will affect Sri Lanka’s bilateral relationship with Israel. Allow the Sri Lankan government to maintain ties with Israel in line with its non-aligned foreign policy. We have condemned the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct 7 and military strikes carried out by Israel on Palestine since then. One should not make irresponsible statements and disturb diplomatic relations,” the Minister said.
He also denied allegations that Sri Lankans would be sent to war-torn areas and their lives would be in danger. The Minister said no employee would be sent to areas captured by Israel. He said all employees would be sent to areas that are not affected by the war.
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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