The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken swift steps to resolve all complaints received from Sri Lankan migrant workers within the past two months. Since the appointment of Vijitha Herath as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, 30 unresolved issues have been directly reported to him. He has directed the Ministry to provide prompt solutions to these matters.
The complaints include issues such as unpaid wages, abuse at workplaces, disappearances, lack of compensation and challenges faced by Sri Lankans working as domestic and labour workers in various countries, including the Middle East. Some complaints also relate to visa issues, obtaining death certificates, delays in consular certification, and other procedural delays at embassy offices. Additional grievances about the conduct of embassy officials have also been reported to the Minister.
“Prompt action taken to address complaints received from Sri Lankans abroad”
Several urgent complaints have already been resolved, while 21 other complaints have been referred to the relevant departments for further action. Recently, the Minister issued a set of guidelines aimed at enhancing the efficiency and quality of services provided by embassy offices and their staff.
Furthermore, the government has taken steps regarding the issue of Sri Lankans detained in Myanmar. Recently, a pregnant woman and another individual were rescued, and the pregnant woman returned to Sri Lanka on November 1, 2024, via UL403 from Bangkok. However, her husband and the remaining detainees are still held by a terrorist group, which has refused to release them, as reported by the Myanmar Embassy to Minister Vijitha Herath.
Discussions to expedite the release of the remaining detainees are already underway by the government. This year alone, Sri Lankans detained in Myanmar have been brought back to the country on two separate occasions.
