Compensation for migrant workers' families

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera addressing the gathering. Pic: Vipula Amerasinghe

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera presented compensation and salary dues of Rs. 50 million to the family members of 33 deceased Sri Lankan migrant workers who had been employed in the Middle East and in Malaysia, at a ceremony at the Ministry premises on May 28.

In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the assistance of Sri Lanka's Missions overseas, has already handed over approximately Rs. 63 million among 58 families as compensation, salary dues and other forms of redress this year. The Ministry also secured Rs. 195 million as compensation, salary dues and other forms of redress which were disbursed among 180 families in 2014. A portion of these funds were secured through litigation.

The deceased workers, the injured as well as victims of harassment are mainly those who have been engaged in unskilled work. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sri Lanka Missions overseas negotiate with the authorities, sponsors and employers in the countries concerned on a regular basis to obtain compensation and dues on behalf of migrant workers who are engaged in legitimate employment overseas, on valid visas.