<ul><li>24/7 hotlines established for Sri Lankans abroad</li><li>Operation Epic Fury triggers increased risk to SL expat workers</li><li>Outbound Middle East flights suspended over security concerns</li><li>Iran retaliates, hits US Navy 5th Fleet HQ in Bahrain</li></ul> The Government has activated emergency response mechanisms and suspended outbound flights to the Middle East following a sharp escalation of military hostilities in the region, as nearly one million Sri Lankans living and working there face growing uncertainty.The Government’s emergency measures follow a major escalation in regional conflict after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran in an operation named ‘Operation Epic Fury’ yesterday (28 February).&nbsp;The US had been building up forces for such a strike for over a month, with US President Donald Trump warning about serious consequences for the Iranian regime.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism said it was closely monitoring developments after coordinated strikes were launched yesterday on defence installations in Iran by forces from the US and Israel.Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Thushara Rodrigo said precautionary measures were implemented with immediate effect.“The ministry has established direct lines of communication with our heads of mission and diplomatic posts in the region. A 24-hour emergency hotline has been activated and we are maintaining continuous contact with the Sri Lankan community in Iran,” he said.According to the ministry, fewer than 30 Sri Lankan nationals are currently residing in Iran. No injuries or casualties involving Sri Lankans have been reported thus far. For security reasons, their details are being treated confidentially.All Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in the Middle East have been instructed to activate 24/7 emergency hotlines. Sri Lankans in affected areas have been advised to avoid non-essential travel, particularly to border regions or sites of military significance, remain indoors where necessary, comply strictly with local security advisories, and maintain contact with the nearest Sri Lankan mission.Families in Sri Lanka seeking information about relatives in the Middle East have been directed to contact the Consular Affairs Division and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment through its dedicated WhatsApp line.Sri Lanka has a large expatriate community in the Gulf states, with many employed in construction, domestic work, and trade. The ministry said safeguarding their welfare remained a priority as the situation unfolds.Amid partial airspace closures across the region, SriLankan Airlines cancelled multiple scheduled flights yesterday, including services between Colombo and Riyadh, Kuwait, Dammam, Dubai, and Doha, along with corresponding return sectors, in the interest of passenger safety and well-being.SriLankan urged passengers to contact its global call centre, offices, or travel agents for rebooking options. “We sincerely appreciate our passengers’ understanding and patience as the changes are implemented,” the airline said in a statement.The announcement comes as Middle Eastern airspace restrictions widen following hostilities involving Israel, the US, and Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran, while Iran vowed retaliation after Israeli and US strikes.Sri Lanka relies heavily on Gulf connections for migrant workers and trade, making the cancellations a significant disruption for travellers and businesses. The airline said further updates would be provided as the situation develops.Director General of Civil Aviation Captain Damith Rambukwella confirmed that all flights departing from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to Middle Eastern destinations had been suspended following a meeting at the Civil Aviation Authority attended by local and foreign airline representatives.Passengers scheduled to travel to the Middle East have been advised not to proceed directly to the airport but to contact their respective airlines for updated instructions. Several aircraft en route from Asian destinations to Middle Eastern airports which were unable to continue have been diverted to Katunayake and Mattala.International flights to and from Israel have also been suspended, with Ben Gurion International Airport closed until further notice as of 8.30 a.m. (Israel time) yesterday.Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel Nimal Bandara said that missile attacks had been reported in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, although no casualties had been confirmed at the time of reporting. Sri Lankans currently in Israel intending to return home have been advised to rebook flights, while those planning to travel have been urged to postpone their journeys.The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi has also advised Sri Lankan nationals in the United Arab Emirates to avoid unnecessary travel and remain vigilant.The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran yesterday, targeting key installations and escalating tensions in the Middle East. US President Trump said the strikes were aimed at eliminating a security threat and reshaping the regional balance.Tehran responded by launching missiles towards Israel and warning that US bases and interests in the region were within reach. Explosions were reported in parts of the Gulf, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, while Bahrain and Qatar reported intercepting incoming missiles.&nbsp;The US Navy’s 5th Fleet Headquarters in Bahrain was hit by Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, reports said. Blasts were also heard near Iran’s Kharg Island, through which a significant portion of its crude oil exports pass via the Strait of Hormuz.The renewed confrontation has further complicated diplomatic efforts over Iran’s nuclear programme and raised concerns over global oil price volatility.The Foreign Ministry said it would continue to assess developments and urged Sri Lankans across the Middle East to monitor official communications and defer non-essential travel until the security situation stabilised.The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) said yesterday that Sri Lanka had sufficient fuel stocks for at least one month despite rising concerns amid regional tensions. CPC Chairman D.J.A.S. De S. Rajakaruna said that the country had petrol for 37 days, auto diesel for 35 days, and aviation fuel for 47 days, including supplies already en route.&nbsp;He stressed that there was no need for panic, noting that most fuel imports came from countries outside the Middle East, limiting the impact of any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.(With inputs from Reuters)

Middle East hostilities: Sri Lanka activates emergency response

<ul><li>INGOs express concern about congestion in some camps, especially in Badulla</li></ul>As of yesterday (28 February), 3,146 individuals from 1,075 families remain in 32 official ‘safety centres’ following Cyclone Ditwah.However, the overwhelming majority of those displaced, nearly 150,000 people, are currently staying with relatives, friends, or in alternative locations outside formal camps, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).In total, 220,044 individuals from 64,901 families were affected islandwide by Cyclone Ditwah. Kegalle District alone accounts for more than 36,000 individuals currently residing with relatives or in such alternative arrangements.Housing destruction remains extensive. According to the DMC, 5,933 houses were fully destroyed by Ditwah, while 115,501 houses sustained partial damage.&nbsp;Despite Rs. 12,788 million being allocated to district secretaries across all 25 districts for compensation relating to fully damaged houses, only Rs. 357.58 million has been disbursed to date, underscoring a significant disparity between allocated funds and actual payments.Land Commissioner General Chandana Ranaweera Arachchi, speaking at a media briefing last week, acknowledged that resettlement challenges persisted in landslide-affected areas.He said that land was being sourced from State lands, donated lands, Land Reform Commission (LRC) lands, and estate lands. Suitable land has been identified in almost all districts, although delays remain in securing sufficient land in Badulla.&nbsp;Once potential sites are identified, they are inspected by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) and released only after confirmation that they are safe for resettlement. Approximately 90% of the land identification process has been completed.The DMC has confirmed 680 deaths and 154 persons reported missing due to Cyclone Ditwah. Kandy District recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 254 deaths and 52 persons still missing.&nbsp;Badulla reported 90 deaths and nine missing, while Nuwara Eliya recorded 82 deaths and 31 missing. Kurunegala reported 64 deaths and 11 missing, Kegalle 41 deaths and 37 missing, and Matale 31 deaths and seven missing.Data released by the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC) as of 17 February indicates that compensation payments remain incomplete across multiple categories.&nbsp;Of the 676 reported deaths at the time of assessment, 668 were deemed eligible for compensation. Full payments have been completed for 323 beneficiaries, while 221 families have received advance payments. However, 345 families are still awaiting full compensation. The total amount disbursed for loss-of-life compensation and advances stands at Rs. 354.55 million.In relation to fully destroyed houses, 6,079 beneficiaries have been identified as eligible, yet only 210 payments have been made so far. District-level disbursements include 95 payments in Anuradhapura, 71 in Kandy, 38 in Monaragala, four in Kurunegala, and two in Ratnapura.For partially damaged houses, 118,838 beneficiaries have been identified as eligible, but payments have been made to only 3,095 individuals. Although Rs. 28,713 million was allocated for partial housing damage, only Rs. 478.30 million has been disbursed.Under the Rs. 25,000 house-cleaning allowance, 434,058 beneficiaries qualified for assistance. Payments have been completed for 426,963 individuals, representing 98.37% coverage, while 7,095 remain unpaid.&nbsp;Under the Rs. 50,000 housing rehabilitation allowance, 172,665 beneficiaries were identified as eligible. Of these, 144,377 have received payments, leaving 28,288 pending. Official data indicate that Rs. 7,218.85 million, amounting to 83.63% of allocated funds, has been disbursed under this category.A total of 211,398 schoolchildren qualified for the Rs. 15,000 education allowance, with 159,271 payments completed and 52,127 still pending. Meanwhile, of the 1,257 beneficiaries identified for livelihood assistance, only 180 have received payments.Meanwhile, a Safety Centre Needs Assessment Report released this month by the Shelter, Land and Site Coordination Sector, co-led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) highlighted growing concerns in the Badulla District, which hosts 56% of the total displaced population.The report noted that living conditions at the centres were a primary concern, with sanitation facilities severely overstretched. An average of 23 persons are sharing a single toilet, exceeding internationally accepted safety standards. According to the assessment, pregnant and lactating mothers represent the most significant vulnerable group among the displaced, being present in 64% of all open safety centres.Attempts to contact NDRSC Director Namal Liyanage for further clarification were unsuccessful.

3,000+ people still in safety centres post-Ditwah

<ul><li>Strict enforcement mechanisms to protect local job market</li><li>Immigration Dept. warns of visa cancellations for those in breach</li></ul> Authorities warn that any foreign national found engaging in local employment will face immediate visa cancellation, given the strict monitoring mechanisms and mandatory tax compliance requirements of Sri Lanka’s new Digital Nomad Visa.The new visa category is aimed at attracting remote workers who earn a minimum foreign income of $ 2,000 per month.&nbsp;The initiative is intended to tap into the expanding global remote work market, increase foreign currency inflows, and stimulate sectors such as tourism, accommodation, and services.&nbsp;However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the local job market if visa holders attempt to seek employment within Sri Lanka.Immigration and Emigration Controller General Chaminda Pathiraja confirmed to The Sunday Morning that enforcement mechanisms were in place to prevent such violations.&nbsp;“Our investigation units, together with the Police, are empowered to monitor compliance with the conditions attached to this visa. If a foreign national is found to be engaged in local employment in breach of the visa terms, the resident visa will be cancelled without delay,” he stated.According to him, authorities will not require monthly proof of income during the initial stay. Instead, compliance with the minimum income requirement will be reviewed during the visa validity period, particularly at the time of renewal.“Applicants are required to demonstrate that they meet the income threshold when seeking an extension after the initial one-year period. During that time, monitoring will be conducted to ensure that the required conditions continue to be satisfied,” Pathiraja explained.Tax compliance is a central component of the renewal process. Digital nomads who remain in Sri Lanka for extended periods will be required to regularise their tax position with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) before any visa extension is granted.“Proof of payment of estimated taxes will be required before an extension is approved,” he said.The application process for the Digital Nomad Visa involves coordination between multiple Government agencies. Applicants are not permitted to apply directly to the Department of Immigration and Emigration at the outset.“All applications must initially be submitted to the Ministry of Digital Economy. Once the ministry evaluates the application and issues its formal recommendation, the applicant may then proceed to submit the resident visa application to the Department of Immigration and Emigration,” Pathiraja clarified.Detailed eligibility criteria and procedural guidelines have been published on the official websites of both the Department of Immigration and Emigration and the Ministry of Digital Economy. As the programme has only recently been launched, official data on the number of applications received has not been compiled yet.Pathiraja stated that the Government intended to assess the effectiveness of the initiative after its first year of operation, after which any necessary adjustments would be determined.The Digital Nomad Visa forms part of Sri Lanka’s broader strategy to attract foreign earnings while safeguarding domestic employment and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Digital Nomad Visa workers to be strictly monitored

The Government’s newly launched ‘Himikama’ (ownership) freehold land deed programme, aimed at converting long-standing permit and grant lands into absolute ownership, has received 76,000 applications through the eState Land Information and Management System (eSLIM), with authorities expecting between 40,000 and 45,000 to qualify during the initial six-month phase.The programme was formally inaugurated on Friday (27 February) in Anuradhapura under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, where 500 ‘Himikama’ freehold title deeds were issued to beneficiaries in the district. The President symbolically handed over 50 deeds at the national ceremony held at the North Central Provincial Council Auditorium in Korakahawewa.Land Commissioner General Chandana Ranaweera Arachchi said that the department intended to review all 76,000 applications received through eSLIM within the first six months of the rollout. However, he cautioned that not all applications would qualify.“We hope to grant deeds to all applicants, but realistically, we expect around 40,000–45,000 to be presented without issues or disputes. We require written consent from the spouse, nominated successor, and established heirs residing on the land. Without that consent, we will not proceed,” he said.The Land Commissioner General explained that the inclusion of mandatory family consent was one of the key safeguards introduced, following a review by a Cabinet-appointed expert committee. Under previous schemes like ‘Urumaya,’ introduced by the previous Government, applicants could obtain freehold status without securing consent from family members, creating the risk of immediate sale and displacement of dependents.“The committee found that in some instances, once a deed was issued, the land could be sold without the knowledge or consent of family members who had a legitimate interest. We have corrected that. The ‘Himikama’ deed will only be issued after verifying family consent and resolving boundary matters.”According to Ranaweera Arachchi, boundaries are certified by Government surveyors, with deeds issued only after approved plans are obtained from the Survey Department. “Once the transfer is complete, there should be no further liability on the State regarding those boundaries,” he added.The programme applies islandwide to lands granted under the Land Development Ordinance that are free of disputes or pending court cases. However, lands under litigation, those situated within tank reserves, or those subject to environmental or legal complications will be excluded until such issues are resolved separately.On concerns that removing transfer restrictions could lead to accumulation of land by wealthy buyers, the Land Commissioner General noted that a condition had been imposed preventing families who received a ‘Himikama’ deed from obtaining another free State land grant in future.“If they sell this land, they cannot request free Government land again. They may be eligible for a lease, but not a further free grant. This is a control mechanism,” he said.Meanwhile, minimum subdivision limits also apply. High lands must adhere to the minimum lot sizes prescribed by relevant local authorities, while paddy lands must comply with the Agrarian Development Act and, where applicable, regulations under the Mahaweli Authority or Irrigation Department.Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation Aravinda Senarath Vitharana said that the initiative sought to resolve a decades-old grievance over the lack of freehold (‘sinnakkara’) ownership among families occupying State land under permits and grants issued in terms of the Land Development Ordinance No.19 of 1935.“For decades, citizens have lived on land without absolute ownership. This has affected not only their personal security but also national economic development. People were hesitant to develop land when they did not have full ownership. That delay has had a direct impact on productivity and growth,” Vitharana said.

Freehold land deed: ‘Himikama’ receives 76,000 applications 

<ul><li>Concerns raised over possible political agenda</li></ul>The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday (28 February) threatened to expand its trade union action by withdrawing from ‘Arogya’ clinics from tomorrow (2), citing a lack of response from the Government to its demands.&nbsp;The unanimous decision to withdraw from the ‘Arogya’ project had been taken by the GMOA’s Central Committee last Wednesday (25 February).The GMOA said that it had repeatedly called for solutions to issues affecting medical officers and clarity on the project’s objectives, with warnings issued by the association over nearly a month continually being ignored.When contacted by The Sunday Morning, GMOA Media Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe stated that several requests for discussions and clarification on this programme had been made to Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa without any outcome.“We have been asking, what is the proposed structure? What is the final outcome or the expected outcome? What are the objectives? What is the funding source? This is not a grant, but a debt, and if this fails ultimately who will repay the debt? It’s not the Minister or the officials; it will be us, the tax-paying general public,” he said.&nbsp;As such, healthcare staff including medical officers expressed their concerns and doubts with regard to the project, with the ministry yet to offer clarity on the presented inquiries.Dr. Wijesinghe explained that the initiative had been initially declared as a structural change or “a restructuring of the primary healthcare system of Sri Lanka”. However, instead of acting as a restructuring, he said that the ‘Arogya’ project was akin to another healthcare system or institution introduced on top of the existing primary care system.&nbsp;According to him, the primary care system comprises Primary Medical Care Units (PMCUs) and additional hospitals at the moment, on top of which the ‘Arogya’ clinics have been established.“Apart from the centres, they are now labelling each and every project or outreach clinic, outside clinic, medical camp, and anything done by the Health Ministry as ‘Arogya’. Therefore, we have doubts as to whether this is a social welfare project or a political project.”At present, around 50 centres or ‘Arogya’ clinics have been opened.He said that despite the association acting with maximum flexibility with regard to the Government’s continued failure in fulfilling agreements that had previously been agreed upon, the ministry continued to fail to respond positively to GMOA demands, and noted that this lack of response had caused continuous strain, contributing to the GMOA’s withdrawal.The Minister of Health was not reachable for comment regarding the GMOA’s allegations. Attempts by The Sunday Morning to contact the Health Ministry Secretary, Director General of Health Services, and other senior officials in this regard were also unsuccessful.

Doctors to withdraw from ‘Arogya’ project

Following discussions held yesterday (28 February) among Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) trade unions on the Government’s response to eight specific demands concerning the restructuring process of the board, the CEB Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) has announced that further union action will be launched on Tuesday (3).With the date for the CEB’s proposed liquidation having been deferred due to the postponement of its restructuring process, a discussion held on 16 February between trade union representatives and the CEB Chairman concluded without a resolution having been reached.In response to the continued delay in addressing the trade union demands, a six-hour symbolic strike was initiated on Thursday (26 February).When contacted by The Sunday Morning, the CEBEU Joint Secretary stated that discussions were underway with regard to future trade union action and a decision would be made by Tuesday as to whether union action would be continuous.According to the CEBEU, the dispute lies in the unions’ demand for a collective agreement in accordance with Section 18(j) of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No.36 of 2024.&nbsp;The Secretary maintained that the law provided for structured engagement between management and employees, adding that a formal collective agreement was necessary to ensure transparency and industrial stability within the institution.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We are not asking for salaries or anything else, but that this be included when the gazette is issued,” the official said.It was also noted that several trade unions that were involved in the strike action were in attendance at the discussions taking place yesterday, with the exception of the Lanka Viduli Podu Sewaka Sangamaya (LVPSS).The official added that the CEB restructuring was now expected to take place on 31 March.Speaking to The Sunday Morning on the matter, however, CEB General Manager K.S.I. Kumara stated that the Ministry of Energy had yet to make a decision on the final date.

SOE restructuring: CEB unions defer decision to Tuesday

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued an advisory warning of significant military activity across key waterways in the Middle East. According to Advisory 003-26, issued at 0700 UTC on February 28, 2026, heightened activity has been observed in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. The advisory has been marked as “verified.”UKMTO cautioned mariners about the potential for elevated electronic interference in the region, including disruptions to Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) and other navigational or communication systems. Vessels transiting through the affected areas have been advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant. Ship operators are also urged to report any suspicious activity, kinetic incidents, or electronic interference directly to UKMTO. The advisory comes amid ongoing regional tensions, with authorities closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety of maritime traffic along some of the world’s most strategically important sea lanes.

UKMTO issues advisory over increased military activity in Gulf Region

The Israel Defence Forces said it has identified missiles launched from Iran towards the State of Israel. It comes as the Associated Press reports explosions have been heard in northern Israel. The Israeli Air Force has said it is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat. The IDF’s full statement is as follows: “A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. “In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas. “The public is asked to act responsibly and follow the instructions - they save lives. “Upon receiving an alert, the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice. Leaving a protected space is permitted only after receiving explicit instructions. “The public is requested to continue acting in accordance with the Home Front Command’s guidelines.” Source: Sky News

Iran launches missiles at Israel, IDF says

Former Director of the State Intelligence Service, retired Major General Suresh Sallay, has been granted permission to be detained for 90 days for questioning in connection with ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks. Sallay was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as part of continuing probes into the coordinated bombings that killed more than 260 people and injured hundreds across Sri Lanka on April 21, 2019. Authorities stated that the Sunday detention period will enable investigators to conduct further questioning under legal provisions applicable to national security investigations. The Easter Sunday attacks, which targeted churches and luxury hotels, remain one of the deadliest terror incidents in Sri Lanka’s history. Multiple investigations and related legal proceedings are currently ongoing, with further developments expected as inquiries progress.

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3,000+ people still in safety centres post-Ditwah

3,000+ people still in safety ...

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Doctors to withdraw from ‘Arogya’ project

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SOE restructuring: CEB unions ...

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Digital Nomad Visa workers to ...

Freehold land deed: ‘Himikama’ receives 76,000 applications

Freehold land deed: ‘Himikama’ ...

Doctors to withdraw from ‘Arogya’ project

Doctors to withdraw from ‘Arog ...

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SOE restructuring: CEB unions ...

UKMTO issues advisory over increased military activity in Gulf Region

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