COVID-19 kills 12 more Lankan workers in Mid East, toll rises to 35

9 July 2020 12:05 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 2 Bookmark

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Twelve more Sri Lankan migrant workers in Middle Eastern countries have died due to COVID-19 during last three weeks, increasing the death toll to 35, Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) told Daily Mirror today.

By June 19, there were twenty three COVID-19 deaths of Sri Lankans who were working in Middle Eastern countries. According to the Spokesperson of the SLFEB, Mangala Randeniya, the deaths have been reported from United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Lebanon. “There were only two women among the 35 deaths. The rest is men,” he said.

SLFEB said the final rites of all the 35 Sri Lankan migrant workers who died during past four months have been conducted in their respective host countries due to COVID-19 related health concerns. The family members of the deceased in Sri Lanka had given their consent, understanding the current situation, Randeniya said.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, over 50,000 Sri Lankan migrant workers mainly in Gulf countries are left with no way out as the government delayed their repatriations citing safety reasons and lack of quarantine facilities in the country. Following increasing demands, the Sri Lankan government recently resumed the repatriation process.

Meanwhile, despite strict health and travel restrictions in force, the Middle Eastern countries are still reporting rising numbers of new COVID-19 cases. (Piyumi Fonseka)

Comments - 2

Imaduwa Vithanage Edirisinghe Thursday, 09 July 2020 04:01 PM

Very sad situation. My heart goes to deseased and their families. These unfortunate people toiled there to maintain their families. They earn us precious foreign exchange. Internationalization of labour is to disadvantage of the toilers. Duty of the respective embasies is to defend them when sick. They must provide for them what is necessary. If treatment is made available deaths can be minimized. These stranded workers must be repatriated. Successive governments have praised them for their remittances. We have to be reaosnable. Hope current government will face this national responsibility without reservation.

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Manujla Friday, 10 July 2020 07:54 AM

Ratawiruwani, Dan sapede???????dan sanipede????? MR

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