He said this during a media briefing held at the Government  Information Department lastday.

The Minister said that the hotline “1989” has been established and it  will operate round the clock.

However, he noted that those employed overseas or students engaged in studies in foreign countries should contact the Sri Lankan embassies, Consul General’s Office or High Commissions if they are faced with any difficulty.

Meanwhile, the minister said that Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh  Gunawardena had notified the Cabinet regarding the programme to  repatriate Sri Lankans overseas whose visas have lapsed or whose contracts have ended.

Minister Gunawardena requested the families of these migrant workers to contact the officer of the Foreign Affairs Services at their  nearest Predeshiya Sabha.