Syrians seek refuge in Sri Lanka

A group of Syrians including children have taken refuge in Sri Lanka, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said.

Six children were among those who have sought refuge from war-torn Syria, the UNHCR said without disclosing the number of adults.

The number of foreign nationals seeking refuge in Sri Lanka has been on the rise with 312 asylum seekers registered with the UNHCR this year raising the total to 677. Most of them are from Afghanistan and Pakistan.

According to the official, at present, there are 54 foreign refugee children in Sri Lanka and the UNHCR supports standardised education of primary aged children. The UNHCR assisted by providing school fees, text books and uniforms.

“The UNHCR has partnered with private schools to provide primary education for refugee children. Secondary aged refugee children are provided with English language skills through UNHCR partners Muslim Aid and ZOA international," the official said.

He said recognised refugees had not set timeline of residence in Sri Lanka. “It varies from one individual to another and depends on their willingness to voluntarily return to their place of origin or acceptance by a third country for resettlement," the official added.

However, the official emphasised that permanent residence would not be provided for refugees in Sri Lanka.