The Saudi Ministry of Interior has been unable to confirm reports that a Saudi sponsor has been arrested in connection with the sustained torture of a Sri Lankan maid, including hammering nails into her body, a Sri Lankan Embassy official said on Monday.

Forty-nine-year-old L.T. Ariyawathi, who came to Riyadh in March, was found with 24 nails and needles embedded in her legs, arms, hands and forehead when she returned to her country for treatment. They were allegedly inserted into her body by the Saudi couple she worked for as punishment.

She had surgery at the Kamburupitiya Base Hospitalin Matara, 140 km from the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, last week. “We contacted the Ministry of Interior and was told it had no knowledge of the arrest,” the diplomat at the embassy told Arab News, adding that the mission is closely following the case.

Ministry sources revealed that no formal complaint has been made against anybody from the maid’s representatives.

However, Arab News learned that the ministry has been trying to find out how Ariyawathi went through metal detectors at the airport without setting off any alarms.

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Kingsley Ranawake arrived in the Kingdom on Monday on an official visit. It is believed that he would discuss the maid’s alleged maltreatment with Saudi authorities.

Sources from the Saudi Embassy in Colombosaid the Saudi government would issue a formal statement soon.

On Saturday, the Sri Lankan Embassy received a medical report from the medical team that operated on Ariyawathi.

The report revealed 24 pieces of metal had been removed from her body and she was now in a stable condition. The surgeon who performed the operation had also confirmed that there were multiple insertion marks all over her body.

“We have received this medical report from SLBFE, which looks after the welfare of Sri Lanka’s overseas workers. Now we are seeking legal advice and the necessary approval from our Foreign Ministry to take up the matter with the Saudi Foreign Ministry here,” said the embassy official.

The diplomat added that Saudi Arabiaand Sri Lankahave been maintaining excellent bilateral relations for several years and would follow up the case without jeopardizing those ties. “This is an isolated incident, which of course should be taken seriously by employers and employees in general.”

The diplomat said the medical report would help the embassy push for action against the employer and claim suitable compensation for the maid.

On Saturday, a video statement from Ariyawathi translated into Arabic was also handed over to the Saudi Embassy in Colombo.

SLBFE is making arrangements to build a house for the maid. The National Insurance Fund has paid the first insurance installment of 100,000 rupees (SR3,300). Another 250,000 rupees (SR8,200) will be given to her shortly.

The bureau has also decided to put forward a set of policies and conditions for Middle Eastern countries regarding the recruitment of Sri Lankan maids.

SLBFE’s additional general manager L.K. Ruhunuge said they would promote the recruitment policy through Sri Lankan embassies and consulates in the region.

He said countries would have to agree with these policies and conditions before they employ maids. He also said that officials would have to ensure the safety and well being of maids in the future.

^{Arab News}