On the directive of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, steps have been taken to expedite the repatriation of foreign workers to Sri Lanka. Currently, about 32,000 Sri Lankan workers have been repatriated and another 22,483 are expected to return to the county.
During a discussion held at Temple Trees on the repatriation of Sri Lankan migrant workers, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa instructed officials to take immediate steps to repatriate Sri Lankan migrant workers.
The process of repatriation of these workers is being implemented according to the recommendations of the Committee appointed by Foreign Employment Promotion and Market Diversification State Minister Priyankara Jayaratne.
Accordingly, Foreign Employment Bureau Chairman Kamal Ratwatte said that discussions would be held with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and inform the relatives and the public about the repatriation of Sri Lankan workers.
State Minister Jayaratne said that a large number of Sri Lankan migrant workers are undergoing economic difficulties and are unable to return home.
The Prime Minister assured that steps would be taken in consultation with the Presidential Task Force on the Prevention of COVID-19 to bring these workers back to Sri Lanka as soon as possible.
