Over 42,000 Sri Lankans Register for Repatriation Amid Pandemic

In late May 2020, as COVID-19 swept across the globe, Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Relations reported a sobering figure: 42,522 citizens had registered on the 'Contact Sri Lanka' portal seeking government-assisted flights home. The number reflected the scale of disruption caused by global border closures, leaving thousands stranded far from home with uncertain timelines for return.

For many Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, what had begun as a temporary assignment had transformed into an indefinite lockdown. Without the ability to secure commercial flights, the repatriation programme offered a lifeline—though it came with the challenge of managing quarantine and health protocols upon arrival. Families waited anxiously for news, hoping their loved ones would be among those aboard the next flight.

This period underscores an important lesson for any Sri Lankan planning international travel: always maintain close contact with your country's diplomatic missions and follow official channels when circumstances change. Keep your registration details current with your embassy or high commission, subscribe to travel advisories that alert you to border changes and repatriation options, and maintain emergency contact numbers before you travel.