Government is a diplomatic pauper – 'Ethera Api'

WEDNESDAY, 03 APRIL 2013 

The government has become a diplomatic pauper and avoids issues that come up in international dealings says the President of 'Ethera Api' organization and Member of the Central Committee of the JVP former Parliamentarian Lakshman Nipunarachchi. Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) received 9925 complaints in 2012 from Sri Lankans employed abroad; the complaints received from Sri Lankans abroad are increasing but the government  behaves irresponsibly towards  migrant workers said Mr. Nipunarachchi speaking at a press briefing held today 93rd).

Speaking further Mr. Nipunarachchi said 'Ethera Api' organization acts as a mediator regarding issues confronted by Sri Lankan migrant workers and hopes to present several matters to draw the attention of the authorities.

He said there was an issue that has come up regarding workers employed in Cyprus. "Cyprus has become a victim of the capitalist economic crisis. Cyprus has been trapped in a debt trap and its economy has broken down as the money that has been invested in Greece cannot be obtained due to the economic crisis in Greece. The new government that was elected in February is slashing the provident fund of employees and is plundering money from workers. The money obtained from Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) has been limited to Euro 100 per day. Popular Bank and Cyprus bank, two popular banks, have completely ceased their transactions. Credit card transactions have been stopped. Also, the government has decided to levy a 40% tax on all deposits over Euro hundred thousand.

The oil reserves explored by Cyprus government are to be sold to Germany. Hydro – Gas reserves too are to be sold. As a result of this crisis Cypriots will lose many jobs. Many will be ousted from their employment. In such an environment about 4000 Sri Lankans employed in Cyprus are confronted with a grave crisis. Most of these Sri Lankans live in Cyprus as employees of firms, house maids. There are many students as well. Many employed in Cyprus are confronted with the risk of losing their jobs. Students have been stranded.

The people in Cyprus have asked authorities to send away foreign workers. A situation has come up where all foreign employees including Sri Lankans are harassed.  There are only temporary councils to mediate in such matters.

The government of Sri Lanka has not taken any interest in this issue. Even at present job agents send Sri Lankans to Cyprus promising them jobs. Those who are sent there are not aware of the present environment there. As the government has not taken any interest the agents have not stopped sending people to Cyprus. The government has allowed persons to take their decisions. The government should stop sending people by agents. Those who go for employment find money by taking loans or pawning their assets. However, when they go to that country they become helpless and later they are unable to pay back their loans.

The government also should learn a lesson from Cyprus situation. Cyprus headed towards a massive economic crisis as it depended on loans without any management of its economy. The only alternative they had was loans, loans and loans. The situation in Sri Lanka is similar.

The situation of Sri Lankans going to the Middle East is not different. The house maids are confronted with much harassment. Our embassies do nothing for these employees. This was clearly seen through Rizana's incident. This country has become diplomatic pauper."

The legal Secretary of 'Ethera Api' Janaka Adhikary and its Organizing Secretary Hemanthe Weerakone were also present.