A structured pension scheme should be formulated by the government to provide long term financial security for migrant workers, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Rohini Kumari Wijeratne told Parliament yesterday (10).
She made this appeal while presenting a Private Member's Motion in Parliament, urging the government to introduce such a scheme for workers honourably referred to in Sri Lanka as "Rata Viruwan" (Migrant Heroes).
She proposed that a pension fund could be established using a certain percentage of the money received from the Sri Lankan labour force working overseas.
Wijeratne said the contribution of migrant workers was highly significant in revitalising the national economy of Sri Lanka.
She noted, however, that these workers faced numerous difficulties upon returning home, including being unable to find employment and having to depend on their children after spending many years working abroad, particularly given the economic crisis.
She highlighted the historical lack of safety nets for returnees as a major concern, noting that many faced severe economic hardship upon their return to the country.
Wijeratne observed that while public servants were entitled to a pension scheme and private sector employees were entitled to Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees Trust Fund (ETF) payments, no such social protection existed for Sri Lankan migrant workers to help secure a stable future through State sponsored initiatives
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