Compulsory insurance cover for foreign job-seekers

by S.M. Wijayaratne, Kurunegala Cor.

Four Hundred and Thirty One (431) Sri Lankans in foreign countries around the world have died last year. Most of them died of natural causes and number is 223. However, 105 Sri Lankans had died of accidents. About 6 persons have been assassinated. About 23 Sri Lankans had committed suicide while staying in those countries. Under these circumstances, all those who go abroad for lucrative employment should get insurance cover and it is of great importance for their own dependents, said Mr. W.E. Jayathilake, the former Divisional Secretary for Bingiriya speaking at a meeting of foreign job seekers of the Kurunegala district held recently at Kurunegala district Secretariat.

He said that the figures of deaths were confirmed by the Foreign Ministry in its Annual Management Report for 2012 and the Foreign Ministry on behalf of Sri Lankan Government had done everything possible to assist the kith and kin of those dead Sri Lankans in dealing with legal strategies required and all other matters.

He added that1.5 million Sri Lankans live abroad at present. About 1,200 prospective job-seekers took part in this meeting.