📊 Govt. Seeks Consular Access to Sri Lankan Detained by Israel

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated urgent diplomatic efforts to secure consular access to Sameera Mehboobdeen, a Sri Lankan national detained after Israeli authorities intercepted the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. • Current Situation: Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra confirmed that Sri Lanka’s embassy in Tel Aviv has formally requested access to Mehboobdeen to verify her safety, wellbeing, and the legal basis of her detention. • Official Position: The government stated it will avoid premature conclusions regarding the interception but emphasized that the safety, welfare, legal rights, and dignity of the Sri Lankan national must be protected under all circumstances. • Background & Context: Mehboobdeen left Sri Lanka in April to join the international activist mission involving over 50 vessels from nearly 100 countries. The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli naval forces on Monday during its final approach to challenge the Gaza blockade. • Local Response: Activists from the Free Palestine Movement staged a protest outside the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Colombo, demanding immediate government intervention to secure her release.