December 12, Colombo (LNW): Himalee Arunatilaka, the former Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia, has been handed a substantial fine of $117,028.80 by the Federal Court, following her conviction for mistreating her domestic worker, Priyanka Danaratna.
Danaratna, a Sri Lankan national, was employed by Arunatilaka at her residence in Canberra between 2016 and 2018.
During this period, she was required to work grueling hours—often exceeding 14 hours a day, seven days a week—without receiving fair compensation.
Over the two years of her employment, Danaratna was paid a mere $11,212.70, a sum far below the legal minimum wage.
The Federal Court ruled that Arunatilaka had breached several key provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009.
These included failing to provide proper pay slips, underpaying wages, and compelling Danaratna to work excessively long hours without adequate rest.
In addition to the fine, Arunatilaka had previously been ordered to pay Danaratna a compensation sum of $374,151.90 for unpaid wages and other entitlements.
The court’s ruling underscored the gravity of the exploitation Danaratna had endured and sought to provide some measure of justice for her.
Arunatilaka, who now holds the position of Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, was given 60 days to pay the fine.
The case has drawn attention to the issue of mistreatment and exploitation of domestic workers, sparking discussions about worker rights and the need for stronger protections.
