Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today met with applicants for Israel infrastructure jobs protesting at the Polduwa junction, warning that the country’s “job mafia” has shattered the hopes of thousands seeking overseas employment.
Premadasa said the government’s policy on foreign employment is weak and that the program to provide jobs in Israel has been ineffective.
He recalled previously standing on behalf of more than 3,500 construction sector applicants, but noted that in the infrastructure sector no jobs have been given for two years despite applicants submitting police reports and passing eligibility tests.
Addressing the protest organized by the Israel Infrastructure Lottery Applicants’ Collective, Premadasa said 560 applicants are still waiting for jobs, while another 1,200 are in the lottery system. He pointed out that government‑run programs move slowly, while private sector schemes operate quickly, creating inequality.
He further highlighted the cost disparity: applicants going through government channels spend about Rs.1 million, while those routed through private agencies must pay Rs.3.5 million. He alleged that exploitation and cheating occur under this system, pledging to raise the issue in Parliament.
Premadasa urged the government, which promised systemic change, to abolish exploitative mechanisms and implement a fair program allowing applicants to go to Israel for Rs.1 million. He also called for an end to deceitful politics and demanded stronger safeguards against corruption.
During his visit to the peaceful protest site, Premadasa held lengthy discussions with the job seekers, listening to their grievances and gathering information on the challenges they face. (Newswire)