The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment has set up an emergency disaster response unit to assist families of Sri Lankan migrant workers and others abroad, in light of the current disaster situation in the country.
This unit was established under the directives of Minister Vijitha Herath, with Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra also instructing the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) to provide immediate relief to the migrant worker community.
Due to practical challenges in delivering emergency aid, the SLBFE has allocated up to Rs. 15,000 per family registered with the Bureau. Families can use this allowance to purchase essential goods from local shops, based on their preference. A circular has been issued to facilitate this process, according to Bureau Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe.
A special program has also been launched to provide compensation for damages caused by the disaster. Under this scheme, information on affected migrant worker families must be collected and submitted by Provincial Senior Managers to the Bureau’s Deputy General Manager (Social Development), in line with the conditions outlined in the circular.
To assist children of migrant workers, the SLBFE has introduced a program to provide school books and supplies. Each child in need will receive material assistance up to Rs. 10,000, ensuring their education continues despite the disaster.
As part of immediate relief measures, migrant worker families are also eligible for up to Rs. 7,000 in aid for purchasing essential medicines.
Affected migrant workers abroad can share their family details with the SLBFE through the hotline 1989 or via WhatsApp at +94 719802822. (Newswire)