DFA advises distressed OFWs in Sri Lanka: Contact Embassy in Dhaka, Consulate in Colombo

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on Sunday encouraged distressed overseas Filipino workers in Sri Lanka to get in touch with either the Embassy in Dhaka or the Honorary Consulate in Colombo. In a tweet, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola said that the department is closely coordinating with Filipino community leaders regarding the situation on the ground. Arriola added that Filipinos in Sri Lanka who wish to return to the Philippines may contact the following: Philippine Consulate in Colombo +94 114322267 +94 114322268 +94 112307162 philcon.cmb@cotrop.net philcon1.cmb@cotrop.net PHL Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh +88 01735349427 dhaka.pe@dfa.gov.ph DFA- OUMWA +63 967 4421825 (Globe) +63 908 3442070 (Smart) +63 999 9802515 atn@dfa.gov.ph Meanwhile, OFWs in Sri Lanka may also reach the DFA by messaging the Facebook page of OFW Help 24/7. Sri Lanka is facing an unprecedented economic hardships that would at least last for two more years, the country's finance minister earlier said, warning of an imminent cash crunch. OWWA On Monday, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said some Pinoys have already asked the Philippine government for help and repatriation. Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said they are already coordinating with the DFA in arranging for the repatriation of Filipinos in Sri Lanka. “Meron nang humihingi ng tulong kaya't tayo nga ay nakikipag-ugnayan sa DFA at isinasaayos na, alam natin, ng DFA ang repatriation flight. Napipinto na ito,” he said. (There were already Filipinos asking for help that’s why we are coordinating with the DFA which is working on repatriation flights. It is forthcoming.) Cacdac said the start of repatriation would not take long as long as the passengers are already listed and the schedule of the flight is set. According to Cacdac, there are around 700 Filipinos in Sri Lanka. However, he said there is no Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Colombo. Cacdac said the Filipinos in Sri Lanka are “calm” despite the crisis. He added that the Philippine government is ready to provide the basic needs of the affected OFWs. —Mel Matthew Doctor and Joviland Rita/LBG/KG, GMA News

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