112 Sri Lankans stranded in Saudi:

SLBFE ensures return to SL

by Rukshana Rizwie

Two companies in Saudi Arabia have declared bankruptcy resulting in112 Sri Lankans being stranded in the kingdom. However, the Government has stepped in to bring the 112 Sri Lankans Arrangements will be made to bring them back, a spokesman said. "These Companies have evaded paying salaries for months," director of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Bureau (SLBFE) Upul Deshapriya told the Sunday Observer.

"There are 100 Sri Lankans employed in the Saudi Oger company which has not paid salaries for three months, neither have they compensated our citizens, hence we will file legal action at their labour tribunal next week," he said. "So far 50 employees have approached the Sri Lankan Embassy and sought our assistance," he said.

Deshapriya added that the SLBFE requested the other 50 locals to also seek the assistance of the Sri Lankan Embassy or Consulate should they have any concerns. He added the Government of had instructed the Embassy to ensure that accommodation and food be provided to the stranded employees.

As for the other 12 Sri Lankans who worked in another company which has already closed down, the Government and the Saudi authorities will ensure that their salaries are paid before they leave the Kingdom, he said

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Consul General Faizer Mackeen visited the Sri Lankans who were stranded in Mecca to ascertain if their concerns were looked into. He added that the consulate would give Saudi Riyal 140/-, which converts to approximately Rs. 5000/-, per day for each worker for two weeks to ensure that they have sufficient money to buy food and other essentials. The Consulate General had also said that there were two employees with heart ailments and that they would be given medical attention. He added that those who wished to come home, would be provided with tickets by the Saudi government.