PARLIAMENT

Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations drew its attention to the contemporary situation in the Middle East region and its impact on Sri Lanka. The border conflict between Israel and Palestine was discussed at length at the Committee meeting held.

This was taken up for discussion when the Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations in Parliament recently (Oct. 17) under the Chairmanship of Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament.

They discussed the economic impact on Sri Lanka due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine and the officials present pointed out that Sri Lanka may be affected by the increase in oil prices, and in relation to the fields of foreign employment and the tourism industry.

The Committee also inquired regarding the interest of Sri Lankan labor force in migrating for work, given the situation in the Middle East. Officials pointed out that there has been no lack of desire among Sri Lankans these days regarding migrating for jobs in the Middle East. However, the Foreign Employment Bureau has restricted sending Sri Lankans to work in Israel during this period, he said.

Furthermore, attention was drawn to the spreading news regarding two Sri Lankans being caught in the rocket attacks by Hamas during the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Accordingly, the officials present mentioned that they will carry out the necessary inquiries in this regard and will keep an eye on the Sri Lankans in those countries.

The Committee also examined the bringing of Sri Lankans who are currently employed in Israel back to the island. The officials present pointed out that the areas where the laborers who have gone abroad are safe, so they are not interested in coming to Sri Lanka.

Hon. Namal Rajapaksa also recommended to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested that a report be given to the Committee explaining the current situation regarding Israel and Palestine.

Furthermore, Parliamentarian Hon. Shanakiyan Rasamanickam suggested that this Committee should focus on the Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu and consider bringing those refugees to Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the Committee instructed the relevant parties to look into this regard and give a report on how the Committee can intervene in this matter.

Furthermore, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka gave a presentation on the economies of Israel and Palestine and Sri Lanka's trade relations with these countries. The youth representatives in representation of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations also questioned the officials present regarding concerns they had.

Members of the Committee Hon. (Prof.) G. L. Peiris, Hon. Akila Ellawala, Hon. Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Hon. Yadamini Gunawardena, Hon. Madhura Withanage, were present.

Officials representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labor and Foreign Employment, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Immigration Department, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Investment Promotion Board and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority were also present at this Committee.