Foreign Minister hands over compensation cheques

(July 07, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) When Sri Lankans go abroad for employment, they do so with the objective of improving the lot of their families. However, even if these hopes and aspirations cannot be fulfilled, due to their untimely demise abroad, the Government of Sri Lanka in keeping with the people – friendly outlook enunciated in the Mahinda Chintana policy has accorded the highest priority to ensure that the next of kin receive their compensation and legal dues expeditiously. These views were expressed by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama on the occasion of handing over cheques to the value of Rs. 13.5 million to the families of 9 Sri Lankans who had died while being employed abroad. This function was held at the Foreign Ministry Auditorium today (7 July 2008).

The cheques presented by the Minister were in respect of monies received as compensation, end of service dues and life insurance and ex- gratia payments from Sri Lankan Missions in Doha(5), Jeddah(2), Dubai (1) and Muscat (1). The highlight of the function was the presentation of cheques to the next of kin of three Sri Lankans who had died in an accidental fire in Doha, Qatar on 18 June, each to the value of Rs.147,700/- given by the employer of the deceased as ex-gratia donations. There were also two families who received a sum of Rs. 4.3 million each. Speaking further on the occasion, Minister Bogollagama reiterated the responsibility that the Mahinda Rajapakshe administration has undertaken to fulfill its mandate for the welfare and betterment of Sri Lankans both at home and abroad.

He also pointed out that Sri Lanka Missions abroad and the Consular Division of the Foreign Ministry under the direct supervision of Deputy Minister Hussein Bhaila are performing a commendable task in obtaining and disbursing compensation and legal dues of Sri Lankans who have died whilst employed overseas.

The Minister advised the beneficiary families to invest the monies received wisely in productive ventures. While emphasizing the services rendered by the Foreign Ministry towards welfare of Sri Lankans employed abroad as well as those who meet with an untimely demise, the Minister expressed the hope that the proceeds of these funds would be utilized for the benefit of the children of the deceased and their families.

The Public Trustee, Mr. Sarath Seneviratne speaking on the occasion stated that his Department has been receiving compensation and legal dues of Sri Lankans who have died abroad quite expeditiously, in recent times unlike in the past, due to the intervention of the Foreign Ministry. He further pointed out that although certain companies have attempted to evade their responsibility in paying compensation in respect of Sri Lankan workers who have died abroad, the Sri Lankan Missions abroad have performed a great service in obtaining these dues.

- Sri Lanka Guardian