No decision to stop Lebanon-bound Lankans

Rasika Somarathna

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) yesterday refuted claims they had stopped sending workers to Lebanon.

Certain media reports said the SLBFE had stopped sending workers due to the volatile political situation in the country.

Reports said the Sri Lankan ambassador to Lebanon had informed the External Affairs Ministry to temporarily halt sending Lankan workers to the country until the situation there improves.

A SLBFE spokesman said so far, they have not been informed of such a request. The spokesman said they will continue to monitor the situation closely and take a decision when necessary.

The SLBFE spokesman while stating there was no imminent threat to Lankan workers, said they will take every possible measure to ensure the safety of Lankan workers, if necessary.

There are around 85,000 Sri Lankan workers in Lebanon.

SLBFE figures reveal 5,140 Sri Lankans left to Lebanon for employment in 2011 while this year, 1,790 workers migrated for employment.