Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today met with applicants for Israel jobs at a peaceful protest held at Polduwa Junction, voicing strong concern over what he described as injustice in the recruitment process.
Speaking to the media, Premadasa said thousands of Sri Lankan youths dream of securing overseas employment, earning a stable income, and supporting their families. He stressed that migrant workers provide vital foreign exchange, strengthen the economy, and render an invaluable service to the nation.
Highlighting the 2023 agreement between Sri Lanka and Israel to provide 14,000 jobs, Premadasa noted that the arrangement had since shifted unfairly. By 2025 and 2026, he said, 70% of workers bound for Israel were being sent through private agencies, while only 30% went through the government, contrary to the original quota. He described this as a “serious fraudulent situation.”
Premadasa pointed out the stark cost difference: workers sent via government channels pay Rs. 400,000, while those routed through private foreign employment agencies are charged around Rs. 4.5 million. He added that each worker earns private agencies USD 5,000, accusing them of profiteering at the expense of job seekers.
He emphasized that 3,500 qualified applicants are currently awaiting opportunities to go to Israel and vowed to raise the issue in Parliament.
Premadasa urged the government to restore the agreed quota of 70% through the government and 30% through private agencies, ensuring fairness and reducing burdens on workers.
Premadasa further said the government must negotiate with Israel to expand official pathways, allowing more youths to travel at lower costs. “Instead of paying Rs. 4.5 million, they should be able to go by paying Rs. 400,000,” he declared, pledging to fight democratically to achieve this goal. (Newswire)