SLBFE emblem used to dupe job seekers

Letter sent by SLBFE Deputy General Manager for Korean language test forged:

RASIKA SOMARATHNA

COLOMBO: An organised gang has used forged documents with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) emblem to swindle millions of rupees from more than 60 people with the promise of lucrative employment and training opportunities in Japan.

According to sources, these con men had duped prospective applicants with a forged letter asking them to come for a pre-departure Japanese language course which runs as a precursor to a three year training stint in Japan.

Armed with the forged letter, the gang had charged Rs. 300,000 from more than 60 prospective applicants, stating that they had been successful in getting the nod for a three year skills training programme in Japan, intended at preparing them for future employment opportunities. The SLBFE said they had received complaints from 32 persons with regard to this, but according to sources the actual number who have fallen to the trap is expected to be much higher ( more than 60).

According to sources, investigations into this have been handed over to the CID. SLBFE Deputy General Manager (training and recruitment), W.M.V. Wansekera under whose name the forged letter has been released, said the forgers had used a letter sent by him for a Korean language test to forge the letter, abstracting the logo and his signature.

According to Wansekera the Japanese language course conducted for chosen students to follow a skills training programme in Japan is in progress with the first batch having already completed the language proficiency course.

Another batch for the course conducted under SLBFE supervision would be taken later, Wansekera said. According to SLBFE sources, personnel to follow the skills training programme in Japan is recruited through private registered agencies under the strict supervision of the SLBFE.

The training programme conducted by the JITCO organisation which is affiliated to the Japanese Government is of high demand in Sri Lanka as this would pave way for highly paid lucrative employment opportunities in Japan and elsewhere.

SLBFE Chairman Kingsley Ranawaka yesterday warned all prospective migrants in search of employment or related avenues, to be vigilant and verify details from proper authorities before committing themselves.

He said the SLBFE had set up a far reaching mechanism to help prospective labour migrants with sub-branches in out stations and a general hot line to cater to information seekers.

The Chairman urged foreign employment seekers to use these facilities and verify details from authorities before giving money or committing themselves.

SLBFE officials could be reached through their hot line 011-2880500 or information seekers could use the SLBFE website for details, Ranawaka said.

The Japanese Industrial Training Cooperation (JITCO) has agreed to host Sri Lankans as trainees in a variety of skills which would lead to future employment, according to an initiative proposed by Foreign Employment and Welfare Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella earlier this year.

According to sources under an agreement between the two countries, JITCO is expected grant training for Lankans every year, mainly in the mechanical and construction fields.

Ranawaka said even though there is high demand for skilled Lankan labour in the international market, authorities has had difficulties in meeting the required numbers due to the dearth of skilled workers in the country.