The remains of Sri Lankan national Anula Jayathilake, who died in the Hamas-Israel conflict on October 7, was brought to the country yesterday morning, spokesman for the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLBFE) Deputy General Manager Gamini Senarath Yapa said.
He said the Israeli Government had decided to consider the deaths of foreigners, including Sri Lankans who served in their country during the Hamas-Israel conflict, as Israeli nationals and to conduct their funeral activities under their expenses.
The Israel Government had also taken the decision to conduct funerals of the foreigners in their country with their expenses even after sending their remains to their respective countries.
Her body was identified by her relatives at Petah Tikva in Israel. She had been working as a caregiver.
Israeli authorities confirmed the death of Anula Jayathilake, who was previously reported missing.
Two more Sri Lankans are also reported missing and believed to be held hostage along with some 200 other foreigners by Hamas militants in the Gaza strip.