Govt. defends Ex-Ambassador Arunatilaka

20 December 2024 04:24 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 73 Bookmark

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While standing by former Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Canberra Himalee Arunatilaka, who faced a lawsuit over a salary issue of a domestic aide, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said Arunatilaka had not committed any financial fraud and that it was due to an issue with Sri Lankan salary scale.

The Minister said as a standard practice, the diplomats are facilitated by the Foreign Ministry to take domestic assistants, and they are paid by the Foreign Ministry according to the Sri Lankan salary scale.

He said in this incident, a case had been filed because the salary paid to the domestic aide according to the Sri Lankan salary scale is less than the standard salary scale in Australia.

The Minister said not only Sri Lanka some other countries like India have similar issues as their salary scale is less than European countries and Australia.

He said the government regrets the inconvenience caused to Arunatilaka and added that a policy decision must be taken regarding the matter.

The Minister said the government will take a policy decision on the salary scale of domestic aides working in foreign missions.

Comments - 73

Judge said worker kept like slave, government is appalling with its Human Rights outlook Friday, 20 December 2024 04:41 PM

The judge has said the worker was abused by not giving them freedom of movement. Is that standard government policy to keep domestic workers like indentured slaves?

8 117

ICC Saturday, 21 December 2024 09:35 AM

I HAVE PAID 1000 RS PER A DAY. PER MONTH 30.000 RS. IN NORTH SL.

0 8

Only wrong done by Ex-Ambassador Arunatilaka was treating worker like slave Sunday, 22 December 2024 06:35 AM

The servant was paid by Lanka government, and contract should be with Sri Lanka government. Ex-Ambassador Arunatilaka cannot be fined for paying below legal allowed in Australia. However, she is guilty for sure of maltreating the servant by restricting servant freedoms to make them like a slave. Ex-Ambassador Arunatilaka only has to pay $117,000 Australian dollar judgement, Sri Lanka government has to pay the other amount.

0 2

Australian police is watching, no more slave servants for Sri Lankan diplomats, Friday, 20 December 2024 04:45 PM

Is Vijitha Herath now disrespecting the laws of Australia, and ignoring the judgement handed down. Abused done to the domestic by Ex-Ambassador Arunatilaka seems all okay by MP Vijitha Herath, then MP Vijitha Herath is a disgusting fellow.

6 84

wickrama Wijayasiri Friday, 20 December 2024 10:05 PM

Yes, we have the option to hire locally and pay accordingly. Just find out how many Sri Lankans want these postings. Even the clerical staff should be hired locally!

6 9

Contact the UN directly, they have contact web page Sunday, 22 December 2024 06:43 AM

UN can be contacted by many means. They even have a web page, contact page. Please bring about petition so Himalee Arunatilaka will stop working at UN.

0 2

Maybe middle east employers can start paying only Sri Lanka salary scale too Friday, 20 December 2024 04:46 PM

Is the Vijitha Herath mad.

5 74

No way the Minister will get as many first preference votes next time Saturday, 21 December 2024 11:56 AM

He is quickly using up his good will. While Minister Vijitha Herath go the highest first preference votes, as his antics become known on how he treats Sri Lankan working overseas, for agreeing harm done to them is fine by our government, his image will be trashed.

0 11

Pat Pathirana Friday, 20 December 2024 04:51 PM

‘Government regrets the inconvenience caused to Arunathilaka??? WTF?? How about the domestic worker who had to work 14 hours a day and 7 days a week??? Is that okay for you minister???

4 92

sunil Friday, 20 December 2024 04:53 PM

Don't try to cover up for a convicted person and spoil the name of NPP She knew what was to be paid as per the agreement she had signed with the domestic Then what about the hours of work and keeping the maid in solitary confinement

3 61

Rip Winkle Friday, 20 December 2024 04:57 PM

Oh, c'mon mate! Arunatilaka is also guilty of slave like treatment of her maid who was forced to work seven days a week from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm for roughly three years, only taking two days off during that period when she burned her hand while cooking. Arunatilaka ought to be forced to pay compensation to the maid for the above at least.

2 60

Buddhist Friday, 20 December 2024 05:04 PM

Why Vijitha Herath is ignoring the other judgement where its said that she has not paid wages for the overtime the worker was asked to do? Is this not a crime even according to Sri Lankan laws?

2 54

VJ Friday, 20 December 2024 05:12 PM

The Foreign minister’s explanation is not very convincing. I believe the host country labor laws are applicable in this case. Is the assistant high commissioner paid a salary according to the Sri Lankan salary scale while deployed in Australia?

2 48

Saman Perera Friday, 20 December 2024 05:12 PM

so this means every other country will pay Sri Lankans with local salary scales, is that OK for this Govt? you needs to follow the country you are in with labor law., In Australia they have a minimum hourly rate / OT rate

2 35

Antony Friday, 20 December 2024 05:13 PM

Very disappointed. If the helper had come to Singapore her basic facilities will include: basic salary S$650 working hours per day capped 10 hrs. 1 day off per week. Medical fully covered. Once in 2 years return air ticket with 1 month paid leave. If the helpers are being benefitted working to normal families are as such, surely they should be paid and looked after more better when they work for diplomats. Not sure how the minister down played the case taking the diplomat’s side.

4 41

Nimal Fernando Friday, 20 December 2024 05:20 PM

So are the diplomats also paid according to the Sri Lankan salary scale when abroad?

1 42

wickrama Wijayasiri Friday, 20 December 2024 09:58 PM

Yes. Do not get in to legal matters you have no idea about. Everybody commenting appear to be lawyers in SL, as usual.

12 11

So called peoples power Sunday, 22 December 2024 06:38 AM

Wiser than impractical false Docs. and Profs. in parliament.

0 0

Disgrace to nation by Ex-Ambassador Arunatilaka Friday, 20 December 2024 05:27 PM

Government clearly doesn't want to pay the $600,000 in Australian court judgement. Also the whole fault seems to be with Sri Lankan government policy. They don't seem to understand the legal requirements for their official staff when posted either. The whole matter of defending previous government official and decisions is a debacle. The judge specifically mentioned about the poor behaviour of Ex-Ambassador Arunatilaka when handing down the latest $100,000 fine as well. How can Australia just watch idly by as it's court is insulted by Lanka government saying they have policy to ignore Australian laws?

3 36

THIS DIPLOMATE HAS NO SHAME, SHE SHOULD HAVE RESIGNED. MUST HAVE BEEN A CORRUPT POLITICIANS PICK. Friday, 20 December 2024 05:32 PM

SORRY I THINK THIS FOREIGN MINISTER IS SO WRONG, SRI LANKAN SALARY SCALE!!! IS HE OUT OF HIS MIND!!!. HE HAS THE NERVE TO THINK IT WAS OK PAYING A MAID WHO GOES OVERSEAS TO WORK FOR A DIPLOMAT S SRI LANKAN DOMESTIC WAGE!!. TIME TO CHANGE THESE ANCIENT RULES

2 41

Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 20 December 2024 05:33 PM

First bad decision by the new Govt.

2 43

Dilakshan Senevirathne Saturday, 21 December 2024 10:23 AM

Why bad? Defending a diplomat is the duty as long as she has worked as per signed contract . It was clearly a misunderstanding of the law. She has worked within the rules. So defending her is the right decision. Other countries specially big brother are defending those charged with criminal offences.

13 4

wsw Saturday, 21 December 2024 11:50 AM

Is subjecting her to slave like working conditions acceptable as per Sri Lankan Labour laws? The NPP government was on a witch hunt hastily replacing all the dead wood when they took over power, now quite strangely they seem to be defending a convicted criminal who is nothing but a national embarrassment to the majority of law abiding people. Shockingly ignorant response from the minister.

2 9

Jude Friday, 20 December 2024 05:34 PM

How about leave given only for few days and working all 7 days

1 35

Minister is a dunce Saturday, 21 December 2024 11:54 AM

The true calibre of Minister Vijitha is out for all to see. He won't get a pleasant welcome in Australia while this matter is left festering. The lawyers will inform widely about this matter, and Minister Vijitha taking this obstinate track will only further degrade foreign relations.

1 11

Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 20 December 2024 05:40 PM

No domestic aides please , they should get used to do housework like do many expats who work 12 hours daily abroad and send us money. These domestic aides agree to salary scales just to get in and once they get into the foreign country , they just run away after finding new lovers. That is the reality man. But the government decision to stand by the diplomat is commendable.

26 13

Voter Saturday, 21 December 2024 07:06 AM

I did not expect a person with a doctorate to give such an answer,unless he has personal experience.

1 9

Dr Tissa Fernando Saturday, 21 December 2024 07:31 PM

That is based on common knowledge , my experience and experience of several of my friends. Sri Lankan domestic aides once they get into a foreign country find new lovers who want freebies. Then they find out that they could earn more by absconding with many allegations against their host. That has happened to many expats who hired domestic aides from Sri Lanka. Even hire someone in your Sri Lankans house , even if you pay the Rs 50000 per month, they do not do their work with good care unless you keep an eye or if you trust them then their boyfriends will rob your house. So avoiding domestic aides from Sri Lanka is the advice here.

0 3

Sunil Friday, 20 December 2024 05:48 PM

What about working excessive hours ? Is it right to exploit domestics without overtime pay. Sri Lanka is a signatory to ILO and must comply.NPP was voted to protect the downtrodden and voiceless but what is happening now. I think Minister Herath will change his stand after going into detail.

2 30

Maqs Friday, 20 December 2024 05:52 PM

Very funny. Has to work in Australia but the salary is that of Sri Lanka. What logic is this? Is the High Commissioner also paid as per Sri Lanka salary scale?

2 39

Gt Friday, 20 December 2024 05:54 PM

So over working and under paying is OK because it's normal practice? Does that mean it's OK or you are taking advantage of poor people, why do sri Lankans get paid less for doing the same job? Even when people go overseas for work with the foreign bureau/agencies they are paid less for same work? 1 example is someone I know who went for cleaning work in a company samasco in Saudi, sri Lankans are paid 3 times less than Philippinos for the exact same work paid by same company... why is that? Is the foreign bureau or agency taking huge cuts from our workers salaries? People who can barely feed their families? There should be minimum wages that are similar to other countries foreign workers, our people are almost sold into slavery made to pay huge sums to terminate employment contracts even if living conditions are horrible, 8 lakhs to terminate contracts...

1 25

Ylg Friday, 20 December 2024 06:14 PM

Was it only the salary that was the issue?

0 15

wickrama Wijayasiri Friday, 20 December 2024 10:07 PM

At this point nobody knows. Only innuendo. The accuser was not challenged as the Accused has diplomatic immunity from prosecution.

3 10

Ashad Dole Friday, 20 December 2024 06:40 PM

A very strange determination from the Minister. So this should be taken as the yardstick where All Sri Lankan domestic helpers going to work in the Middle East and elsewhere should be paid in Local Salaries and in local currency.

1 26

Citizen Friday, 20 December 2024 06:56 PM

Oh no I did not expect this from this minister. We need clarification as to how he came to this conclusion

0 21

Aquarius Friday, 20 December 2024 07:31 PM

Mr. Herath, defending the Ambassador may be your duty, but there is more than the issue of salary. Does the salary stipulate the number of hours per day or is it left to the discretion of the employer? Also cutting down on free movement is an abusive act. All in all the behaviour is typical of the employers in the middle east, where it is a norm to abuse working hours and confiscate passports to make them, prisoners. Any policy decision should address all these issues to help our domestic employees across the globe.

0 22

DJ Sunday, 22 December 2024 08:10 PM

Absolutely right.

0 0

Pathmaranjan Friday, 20 December 2024 07:33 PM

I am very concerned about Vijitha Herath's statement. How can domestic employee live with a Sri Lankan salary in a western country. How can the person work 16 hours a day. No vacation? This is slavery. I am very disappointed about the statement by Mr. Herath. Shame.

0 20

Lanka Friday, 20 December 2024 07:35 PM

There is a misunderstanding in this matter : what is it ? First of all, foreign missions and their officials must respect all their employees respectfully and they should not be disrespecting them at all misusing their power and positions: The government must take some responsibility to change the wages and salaries of all diplomatic missions : how could people live on Sri Lanka salary scale in London or Melbourne? For that matter in many other capitals? Above all this please send some good people into foreign missions : 90%’of them are arrogant and corrupt and do not provide public services as they should be doing: many Tamils are scared of going to D/ missions:

1 22

wickrama Wijayasiri Friday, 20 December 2024 10:02 PM

Yes, it will be from now on. The previous bunch were political cronies and relatives of them. Hire locally, and pay accordingly. Sri Lankans are clamoring to get these postings and once there, try to jump ship to get asylum and immigration, wven the cooks and domestic aids.

0 12

Kapila Senaratne Friday, 20 December 2024 07:49 PM

After all why do they need a domestic help. Please abolish the dubious facilities altogether.

0 10

Surnaga Hettirachchi Friday, 20 December 2024 07:53 PM

Why is the minister defending the ambassador by talking about the salary difference? It was not just about the salary!! The ambassador was charged for a whole lot of other misdeeds. The government should recall the ambassador; she is not worthy of representing Sri Lanka. Please keep up the pressure on the government on this issue.

2 16

Charith Saturday, 21 December 2024 12:55 AM

Yes, we will correct the Govt. on their mistakes or give them the boot in a few years!

0 8

BnW Friday, 20 December 2024 09:13 PM

This only shows how ignorant is the foriegn minister. In Australia, you cannot even use the word domestic aid or servant. Was the ambassador also paid lankan salary? How could this victim live in Australia with lankan salary?

1 18

Massdeen Friday, 20 December 2024 09:14 PM

Please Mr Minister don’t spoil the Government name by trying to help one particular diplomat, you need to resothe law of that country. Please don’t get involved in that judgement, the law must be upheld, the people will lost the trust and faith they hv placed in the new Government

0 15

DJ Friday, 20 December 2024 09:25 PM

Mr. Minister, I thought you are going to set an example. How can a domestic worker live on the Rs. in a foreign country and please don't compare with other countries sir.

0 15

kumar Friday, 20 December 2024 09:42 PM

The Foreign Ministry sets the pay for the domestic aides that ambassadors and other diplomats employ. Before leaving, the Foreign Ministry and the domestic aides will sign an agreement on it. The foreign ministry, not the officer, must bear responsibility if there is something wrong in the salary.

2 11

Citizen Friday, 20 December 2024 10:09 PM

It is absolutely outrageous that the government blindly supports the former ambassador without conducting any investigation or due diligence process. The poor domestic worker is double-victimized..

1 16

wickrama Wijayasiri Friday, 20 December 2024 10:13 PM

This case started during RW's time. Why did he not resolve it? She is a MR appointee! These people commenting appears to be all SLPP and UNP supporters trying to get political milage here. Vijitha is absolutely correct. If there is a case and accusations they need to be filed in Sri Lanka. That is the law and convention.

11 8

Antony Friday, 20 December 2024 10:33 PM

Although a Diplomat represents the country in other souls that doesn’t mean if any of them make a mistake to protect them. If they have commit wrong doing in a specific country they are bound to respect the law of the country and accept the given judgement. If the judgement is incorrect then must fight a case in courts. In Singapore a senior minister was caught taking gifts from a business man and had to step down from all portfolios and agreed to serve the jail term imposed by the law. Political leaders kept their hands off. Law is applicable to any one. People have lots of hope on NPP. With this kind of decisions taken by the NPP ministers brings a bad image to the country. Don’t ever repeat this mistake.

1 13

Heshan wickrema Friday, 20 December 2024 11:32 PM

Why is the minister in a rush to defend the convicted diplomat? Some allegations regarding the employee being deprived of her basic rights are very serious. So ideally the minister should have referred the matter to attorney general's department to carefully study and advise. Remember the majority of the people are no longer dumb to believe everything that politicians say. That's why the NPP was given a chance to rule the country. So be mindful and walk the talk.

0 5

Ravee Friday, 20 December 2024 11:46 PM

What a dope! Question, did the SL Ambassador get paid according to SL salary scales or was she was paid an overseas allowance? The comments from the ministry is an insult to the intelligence of the Sri Lankan people. You should be ashamed of yourself.

0 6

Charith Saturday, 21 December 2024 12:20 AM

Vijitha Herath and Himalee Arunatilaka although University educated appear to have no brains. This stone age mentality is what holds SL from developing. When in another foreign country you abide by THEIR laws. Simple. Can you clowns not get that? Furthermore, any form of slavery is not acceptable anywhere!

1 12

Dilakshan Senevirathne Saturday, 21 December 2024 01:14 AM

Minister is right, the domestic aide agreed to the salary scale as per contract but once in Australia, found new friends and then gid knows what happened. Is Australia paying AUD 600000 per annum for a domestic aide? In that case I don't mind becoming a domestic aide. I thought that average salary in Australia is about AUD 60000 per annum for a skilled worker. Let me apply for Australia domestic aide job rightaway. Minister is right about defending the diplomat.

11 4

Citizen k Saturday, 21 December 2024 03:31 PM

Please apply and then write about your experience after going through same experience mate.What a humbug you are.

0 2

Dr Tissa Fernando Sunday, 22 December 2024 08:39 AM

With your idiotic statement and mentality you wouldn’t even qualify to be a domestic aide in Australia.

0 0

K. Andersson Saturday, 21 December 2024 01:19 AM

Minister's statement is disgusting. Sri Lanka is not a country practising slavery.

1 8

Aquarius Saturday, 21 December 2024 02:11 AM

If the Ambassador is not guilty as per Mr. Herath, and If it is a policy issue the Sri Lankan government is at fault. The Australian government is not going to waive the issue on silly local technicalities. At the end of the day the government will have to come with this colossal amount. Domestics for Ambassadors should not be any exception, most people leave family to work abroad to make a better earning, so why this policy is in place is anybody's guess.

0 9

Herman Perera Saturday, 21 December 2024 03:29 AM

I live in Australia

2 4

DS Saturday, 21 December 2024 04:36 AM

Minister regrets the inconvenience to the ambassador. Person who was forced to work seven days a week. Is that person the culprit? Looks like the Malimava in power is quite different to the Malimava who fought for workers rights.

1 11

Lk Saturday, 21 December 2024 04:52 AM

Law of land applies for any one : so, this case must be dealt with the Australian law : No immunity for any one even diplomatic missions in this case:’

1 9

A Concerned Citizen Saturday, 21 December 2024 05:03 AM

Unlike Vijitha Herath in the opposition, now Minister Herath has assumed the role of being the Laundryman of heartless diplomats. Well done Minister Herath!

1 9

When will Opposition bring this up in Parliament Saturday, 21 December 2024 12:08 PM

The unfairness of keeping Lankan like a slave by the Ex-Ambassador Arunatilaka must be brought up by the opposition. The worker was trapped and couldn't leave, she was held hostage and made to work for below legal pay. Much like the Myanmar cyber camps Sri Lankans got trapped to work in, until rescued by the government. But because SLPP Ex-Ambassador Arunatilaka is some sort of love of Minister Herath, he doesn't care at all, and supportive of her abusive behaviour.

3 8

Kamal D Ranasinghe Saturday, 21 December 2024 08:07 AM

It is entirely different that a domestic worker serves in their own country and in a foreign country. According to situation that particular worker salary paid should review and adjusted.

1 3

Kamal D Ranasinghe Saturday, 21 December 2024 08:11 AM

It is entirely different that a domestic worker serves in their own country and in a foreign country. According to situation that particular worker salary paid should review and adjusted.

1 7

amara Saturday, 21 December 2024 10:28 AM

If she has employed her more that 8 hours without OT or against the Australian soils laws that is just an offence. Should be punished. The debatable question is why Australian deplomats are paid same sri lankan wages they also should be paid as per australians ? Otherwise assitants salary will be higher than depolmat.

0 5

A Concerned Citizen Saturday, 21 December 2024 10:28 AM

Will the NPP defend this Diplomat if the NPP was in the opposition? It would completely blame the SL government for appointing the wrong people and trying to protect the wrongdoers. Now NPP is the government attitudes are completely changed.

1 11

wickrama Wijayasiri Saturday, 21 December 2024 08:36 PM

The case is not new. the first case was during RW time. I cannot remember JVP taking a stand on it at the assembly. The case is one sided and fraudulent. The accuser is seeking asylum. Her statements have not been challenged or proven as the accused did not contest. The accused has the diplomatic immunity and the Australian law cannot get her to appear in their courts. This is not a common sense case. The accuser would not file her case in SL courts as she would have to leave Australia to do that. After that she cannot claim for asylum in Australia.

1 3

Mark Anandappa Saturday, 21 December 2024 11:03 AM

Srilankan Salary scale does not apply when you work in another country

2 13

Aquarius Saturday, 21 December 2024 04:55 PM

It just exposes the common political culture in Sri Lanka. When in opposition you scream "foul" and when in government, it's excuses to avoid/defend the issue. Recent events have shown their (NPP) approach to questionable situations. Unless they portray and act on their election promises, people will lose confidence in another "election gundu"

1 4

Sri Lankan government is at fault for making the illegal low pay scheme Saturday, 21 December 2024 05:15 PM

GoSL should never expect to pay below legal pay in an overseas country that is utterly wrong, illegal. Anyhow the worker being made to worker unhealthy and slave like many hours is totally the fault of Ex-Ambassador Arunatilaka. The recent $100,000 fine was about that. And the previous $500,000 fine was about not paying to legal requirements of Australia. Government has to sack Ex-Ambassador Arunatilaka for maltreating government paid worker, and then compensate the worker in full as per the legal judgement against Ex-Ambassador Arunatilaka.

1 6

NPP not a social justice government Sunday, 22 December 2024 08:03 AM

NPP is continuing to support the unfair practices of previous government. Supporting Ex-Ambassador Arunatilaka for her terrible treatment of the servant shows it is not a party for social justice. The high and mighty from previous government continue to get support while the oppressed and suffering are blamed for the abuses done unto them.

0 2

Perera Sunday, 22 December 2024 03:07 PM

In other words VH is not in agreement with the judgment. Defending corrupt officials found guilty subsequent to due process of law reflects very badly on the credibility of the NPP.

0 0

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