Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has refuted allegations of financial fraud or corruption against Sri Lanka’s former Deputy High Commissioner to Australia, Himalee Arunatilaka, despite an Australian court ruling against her over unpaid wages to a domestic aide.
The court ordered Arunatilaka to pay an additional AUD 117,000 to the domestic worker, Priyanka Danaratna, who was paid less than 65 cents an hour over three years in Canberra. Danaratna had previously been awarded AUD 543,000 in compensation.
Addressing a press conference at the Foreign Ministry, Herath explained that Sri Lanka’s diplomatic protocol allows officials stationed overseas to employ domestic workers to assist with their daily activities. He clarified that the domestic worker in question was taken to Australia under this protocol.
“Salaries for such workers are paid by the Sri Lankan Government, based on the country’s economic conditions, and not from the personal funds of the officials. These wages are significantly lower than those in countries like Australia and Europe, leading to complications when Sri Lankan standards clash with local wage laws abroad. This discrepancy arises because the salaries we offer are calculated based on Sri Lanka’s economic situation, which is far lower than the wages in countries like Australia,” Herath explained.
The minister emphasised that Arunatilaka adhered to the salary structure set by the Sri Lankan Government and did not engage in any wrongdoing. However, he acknowledged that the Australian Government pursued legal action under its own wage regulations, describing this as a recurring issue for Sri Lankan diplomats stationed overseas.
Minister Herath highlighted the need for a policy review to address such challenges. “We regret that she had to face this situation due to state protocol. The government will take a policy decision to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.
