Repatriation hindered due to lack of staff at overseas missions: Karu Jayasuriya

By Yohan Perera   

Whilst stating that lack of staff in Sri Lankan missions abroad had paved the way for serious issues pertaining to the repatriation of Sri Lankan expatriates especially in the Middle Eastern nations, the head of National Movement for Social Justice Karu Jayasuriya yesterday urged the government to address this shortcoming without delay.   

Mr. Jayasuriya , who is the former Speaker , told a press conference that the Sri Lankan government should address this issue soon. “Many Sri Lankan expatriates have informed us that Sri Lankan missions especially in the Middle East do not have sufficient staff to provide services to Sri Lankans in those countries today,” Mr Jayasuriya said.  

“They have told us that there are only 3-4 senior officers affiliated to the Foreign Employment Bureau and in embassies for welfare purposes. They said the absence of officers has resulted in them.being denied the required services,” he added.   

“We are deeply saddened about the inhumane response of the present regime to innocent Sri Lankans who are suffering in many foreign countries across the world. 
The question of whether it is the Sri Lankan politicians or the Sri Lankan expatriates workers who have rendered a better service to Sri Lanka “ he reiterated  
“ They are the ones who have brought in much needed foreign currency to Sri Lanka,”. 

Sri Lankan missions especially in the Middle East do not have sufficient staff to provide services to Sri Lankans in those countries