FALSE PROMISES ON FOREIGN EMPLOYMENT

COLOMBO (News 1st): A protest against financial fraud was staged opposite the Presidential Secretariat on Friday (08) morning at the designated agitation site. According to our correspondent, the protest that lasted for three hours was related to a case of financial fraud committed by a group claiming to provide foreign employment. Speaking to News 1st, the protestors said they were charged to be sent for foreign employment in Indonesia with false work permit documents and Embassy appointments. Thereby, upon reaching Indonesia they were compelled to return back to Sri Lanka by spending more money, as they were not provided the promised employment opportunities. One protester said, "We requested for a refund in February, before the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. They said they will refund the money, but have failed to do so yet. Now they are claiming bankruptcy, which is impossible." Another protestor said, "They have taken more than Rs. 1.4 million from us to be sent to Singapore claiming the visa will be issued on arrival. Then we were asked to return to Sri Lanka and they will refund the money. We are yet to receive a solution from them." The group dispersed after a discussion with a representative of the Presidential Secretariat.