The government has taken steps to increase the compensation amount paid to families of Sri Lankan migrant workers who pass away while employed overseas to Rs. 2 million.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath described this move as a significant relief provided to migrant workers and their families.

He made these remarks while attending an event where Rs. 70 million in compensation was distributed among the families of 50 migrant workers who had passed away while employed overseas.

Previously, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) had provided Rs. 600,000 in compensation for each migrant worker who died while employed abroad.

Minister Herath said he was pleased that steps had been taken to increase the compensation to Rs. 2 million, as the previous amount was insufficient.

He stated that while around 300,000 leave the country annually for foreign employment, on average around 250 Sri Lankan migrant workers die every year due to various unfortunate circumstances while employed overseas.

The Minister further said that a programme, along with several proposals, has been initiated to minimise such incidents.

Minister Vijitha Herath said that migrant workers remit nearly USD 8 billion to Sri Lanka annually and noted that the SLBFE is already implementing a number of welfare programmes for their benefit, while further initiatives are also being planned.

“One such programme is to provide migrant workers with housing loans of up to Rs. 10 million through banks. These loans are provided at low interest rates, while the SLBFE also contributes towards part of the interest.”

“Similarly, the SLBFE is already providing welfare benefits for the children of migrant workers, including school equipment and annual scholarship allowances,” Minister added.