Steps to secure release of Lankan crew being taken: Foreign Ministry

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister has directed the Sri Lanka Missions in Saudi Arabia to take all measures to secure the release of crew members reportedly of Sri Lankan nationality, aboard a hijacked Saudi Arabian ship, says the Foreign Ministry.

The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to media reports on the hijacking of a Saudi Arabian ship along with its crew members by Somali pirates. The reports have indicated that there are Sri Lankan nationals among the crew of the hijacked ship.

Following these media reports, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama immediately called for a report from the Sri Lanka Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah on this incident and requested the Missions to verify if there is indeed a Sri Lankan crew aboard the ship.

The Foreign Minister has also directed the two Sri Lanka Missions in Saudi Arabia to obtain all details pertaining to the crew members in the event they are Sri Lankan nationals, extend all possible assistance to ensure their welfare and expedite their release.

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Riyadh has informed the Ministry that they have contacted the Saudi Naval authorities and other organizations in this connection. The Consul General in Jeddah is also liaising with the company which owns this ship, to verify if there is indeed a Sri Lankan crew aboard the ship and if so, to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

The Foreign Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary steps on this matter through the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry and the Sri Lanka Missions in Saudi Arabia, states a media release.