Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, has urged the public to contact the ‘1989’ hotline for reliable information on private employment agencies when seeking job opportunities abroad.
The Minister made this statement during the recent Ministerial Consultative Committee meeting on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, in response to parliamentary concerns over fraudulent individuals falsely claiming to facilitate overseas employment.
Officials at the meeting informed the Committee that all details regarding approved employment agencies and their fees are available on the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) website. They also emphasized that complaints can be lodged with the Bureau against any party charging fees beyond the approved amounts or operating without a valid license.
Additionally, Members of Parliament raised concerns about Sri Lankans in Russia being forced into military operations under inhumane conditions, according to the Parliamentary Communications Department. In response, the Committee’s Chairperson acknowledged the gravity of the situation, describing it as highly complex.
The discussion also covered restrictions on loudspeaker usage for musical events and night parties in tourist areas, currently limited to 10:00 p.m. MPs argued that such limitations could hinder tourism growth. Minister Herath noted that while the issue should be addressed, it must also consider the well-being of the general public.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, other deputy ministers, Members of Parliament, and officials from institutions under the Ministry.
