Government pledges to repatriate all Sri Lankans overseas

Colombo (News 1st): The Sunday Times reported yesterday that out of the 350,000 Sri Lankans, 25,000 to 30,000 migrant workers await repatriation while 14,000 of them are desperate to return to the country. More than 30 Sri Lankans are reported to be trapped at the Masha camp in Saudi Arabia, owing to visa expiries and salary issues. Sri Lanka took steps to bring back many people who were stranded in these countries including students and expatriates however limitations in accommodation at quarantine facilities meant that not everyone could get back as soon as they hoped to. The Bureau of Foreign Employment says 56,000 expatriates are waiting to return to Sri Lanka. Saroja Polraj, President of Women for Rights states that most women who are trapped overseas are often abused with pregnancies also being reported. Responding to queries, the Head of the COVID-19 Task Force, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva stated that there could be delays and that these delays are also considering the wellbeing of the people, adding that all Sri Lankans will be repatriated.