Minister of Labour, Nimal Siripala De Silva says directives have been issued to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, to dip into the significant funds it holds in fixed deposit accounts to pay for repatriation air tickets.

There were about 63,000 Sri Lankan expatriates awaiting to return to the island, however, more than 30,000 have been repatriated so far, the minister said during a press conference.

“However, there is a backlog now,” he said, adding that the reason had been the limitation of quarantine facilities in Sri Lanka.

Hence, the Foreign Employment Bureau has been directed have discussions with the COVID-19 task force to take immediate action for setting up 09 provincial centres for the purpose of quarantining Sri Lankan expatriates who wish to come to back, Labour Minister went on to say.

“The expenses with regard to the quarantine work can be paid out of the funds of the Foreign Employment Bureau.”

In the meantime, there were criticisms from Sri Lankans stranded in foreign countries that they are unable to purchase air tickets to return to the country, the minister added.

“So, now I have directed the Foreign Employment Bureau to utilize the reserves in their fixed deposit accounts to purchase air tickets for the people who went abroad after registering with the Bureau. We have an obligation to bring them back.”

Labour Minister appealed to the Sri Lankan expatriates who wish to return to the country to register themselves with the respective consular divisions of Sri Lankan embassies or contact the Foreign Relations Division via 800119119 to provide their information.