March 16, Colombo (LNW): Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath has called on the public to utilise the ‘1989’ hotline for accurate and trustworthy information regarding private employment agencies, particularly for those seeking job opportunities abroad.
The Minister’s remarks came during a recent session of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, held in Parliament, where Members of Parliament (MPs) raised concerns about fraudulent schemes.
These scams involve individuals who falsely claim to secure overseas employment for hopeful jobseekers, thereby defrauding them of large sums of money.
In response, Minister Herath highlighted that the public could access verified information about licensed employment agencies and approved fee structures through the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment’s official website.
He stressed that any agency charging fees above the officially approved rates or operating without the necessary licences should be reported to the Bureau for investigation.
During the committee meeting, MPs also drew attention to the disturbing reports regarding Sri Lankan nationals in Russia, alleging that they were being exploited for military operations in the country.
The MPs voiced their concerns about the inhumane treatment of these individuals, prompting the Chairperson of the Committee to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.
He described the issue as multifaceted and complex, requiring thorough investigation and intervention.
The session also touched upon concerns regarding the tourism sector, specifically the limitations imposed on the use of loudspeakers for musical events and night parties in tourist areas.
MPs argued that the curfew on loudspeaker usage at 10:00 p.m. was hindering the growth of tourism, especially in areas that rely on vibrant nightlife to attract visitors.
Herath responded to these concerns by stating that any such restrictions should be carefully balanced to ensure that the public’s peace is not disturbed while still fostering a thriving tourism industry.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra, as well as other Deputy Ministers, MPs, and senior officials from various institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism.
