The compensation paid to Sri Lankan migrant workers who die while employed overseas has been increased to Rs. 2 million, announced Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Chairman Koshala Wickramasinghe.

Speaking at a media briefing held by the SLBFE, Wickramasinghe highlighted several initiatives taken by the bureau to protect and support Sri Lankan migrant workers. He noted that Rs. 234 million has been successfully recovered and returned to workers who fell victim to foreign employment scams.

He also stated that steps are being taken to update the SLBFE Act to further strengthen the institution’s role in safeguarding migrant workers’ rights.

According to Wickramasinghe, Sri Lankan migrant workers have sent home USD 5.1 billion in remittances as of August this year, underscoring their critical contribution to the national economy.