The attention of the Ministry of External Affairs has been drawn to a news report which is in wide circulation, attributed to the Ministry stating that “communications are going on with officials in Moscow to bring back 13 Sri Lankan students in Crimean Universities”. This report is totally inaccurate and has caused concern among the general public.
Therefore, the Ministry wishes to clarify the factual position regarding the Sri Lankan students who are currently in Ukraine. The Sri Lanka Embassy in Moscow which is concurrently accredited to Ukraine has been constantly monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Sri Lankans in Ukraine. The Embassy has informed that there are 20 Sri Lankan students currently studying at the Crimea State Medical University in Simferopol, who are in direct contact with it.
The Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Russian Federation H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga had personally contacted the Pro Rector for Foreign Relations of the University to check on the welfare of the Sri Lankan students. The Pro Rector has assured the Ambassador of the safety and security of the Sri Lankan students who are resident in the University hostels. Moreover, the University and the hostels are not located in close proximity to the areas of unrest. Hence, there is no need for any panic and the situation does not warrant any plans to evacuate the students.
Ministry of External Affairs
4 March 2014
