The Consular Affairs Division of the Foreign Ministry organized a ceremony to handover
letters of compensation of the deceased Sri Lankan workers abroad to their respective family
members at the Ministry Premises in line with the International Domestic Workers Day as well
as the International Day of Family Remittances held on 16 June, 2021.
Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena together with Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath
Colombage, Director General of Consular Affairs Division Wishwanath Aponsu, Chief of
Mission of the International Organization for Migration Sarat Dash, and Country Director of
the International Labour Organization Simrin Singh handed over the letters of compensation
amounting to 30 million Sri Lankan rupees to the family members of deceased migrant workers
overseas, received from their respective employers abroad through Sri Lanka Missions abroad.
During the Ceremony, Minister Gunawardena mentioned the activities carried out by the
Ministry to ensure the safety and welfare of Sri Lankans working abroad. Further, addressing
the families of the deceased, Minister Guanawardena stated that although the loss of a person’s
life is irreparable, compensation payments on behalf of the deceased workers would bring some
kind of relief to the affected family members.
The Consular Affairs Division of the Foreign Ministry was able to secure the said
compensation, salary dues and other redress with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Missions in
Middle Eastern countries. These payments were a result of initiatives and constant follow up
action pursued by the relevant Sri Lankan Missions liaising with the respective authorities of
the specific country.
Foreign Ministry
Colombo
16 June, 2021
