To our respected officials, we would like to bring to your attention!

The COVID-19 pandemic has wrecked havoc to many and currently in the UAE there are over 200 pregnant Sri Lankan mothers stranded. This was brought to attention via social media that no action has been taken to bring them home. They have been unable to receive any medical attention during this period and have not heard any news from Sri Lankan authorities about arrangements being made to bring them back. Multiple flights were arranged to bring back those with little to no issues so this situation should be of high priority.

Many of these women were meant to return to Sri Lanka to complete their pregnancies but could not do so as international arrivals in Sri Lanka were shut down. Given that Sri Lanka boasts of valuing mothers and having an excellent maternal and postnatal healthcare system it Is deeply distressing that these Sri Lankan mothers are being deprived of the very same.

These people, along with those that are currently perfectly well, risk increased exposure to Coronavirus with the thought of ending up in a foreign hospital is mind-numbing. Coupled with that they are having to deal with the pain of being separated from their home country, friends, families and some degree of "normality." This is a mental-health risk.

We also need to mention the fact that the Colombo - Dubai flight route is common and not one that is out of range, therefore the fare should be kept of a reasonable amount or even free to all passengers considering most if not all have been either subject to termination or salary deductions.

We request, therefore, that arrangements be made to repatriate and safely quarantine these pregnant women as soon as possible. The urgency of this matter should be taken seriously as most of these women are in their second and third trimesters and if any delays are made they will not be able to safely travel owing to their condition. This could not only put their lives at risk but also the lives of their unborn children.

To the supporters reading this:-
Please help do your part in aiding these women by signing our petition to raise awareness. You can also send emails to

Ministry Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha - sfa@mfa.gov.lk

Assistant Director Dulanji Herath - dulanji.herath@mfa.gov.lk

Email template in the pastebin - https://pastebin.com/KAsMgUGx

Thank You and we hope these women are securely brought back to their homes as immediately as possible!