These payments were secured with the assistance of Sri Lanka Missions in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Israel, Oman, Dubai, Jordan, Bahrain and Russia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs dispersed approximately Sri Lanka Rupees 195 million as compensation, salary dues and other redress among 180 families in the year 2014. This year the Ministry released Rs. 169 million to 116 families as compensation/benefits.

A portion of these funds were secured after litigations were filed in the relevant courts abroad. In case of harassment and injuries, the Missions had obtained payments from the sponsors directly. The beneficiaries were from all parts of the country, mainly from rural areas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sri Lankan Missions abroad negotiated with the relevant parties in the countries concerned to obtain compensation/benefits for the migrant workers who were engaged in legitimate employment, especially under unskilled categories.

Addressing the gathering Hon. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that instructions had been given to officers to expedite the process of recovering compensation/benefits related to Sri Lankan migrant workers abroad. He emphasized the importance of the migrant workers’ contribution to the country’s economy.  Hon. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs further stated that the aim of the new government is to curtail the number of Sri Lankan women going abroad as domestic workers taking into consideration the difficulties some have to undergo in some countries. He said that the government policy is to create a new economic environment with ample opportunities to Sri Lankan women to contribute more to the economy while working in Sri Lanka.