The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of Opposition

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Minister. Approximately 10,000 candidates are registered for Korea and have taken the Korean language test, interviews, and medicals—incurring expenses. Their two-year listing expires in March. I too discussed this with Ambassador Myong Lee; HRD Korea manages the process. Given the unfairness to these 10,000, I respectfully urge you to request HRD Korea and the Korean Government to extend the web-listing period, or until more job slots are available.

¶ 02 On Italy: there are many candidates already fully approved, yet unable to depart due to issues between old and new agreements. Please intervene to send those already cleared. I have also requested the Ambassador in Italy to resolve this.

¶ 03 Finally, on fraudulent foreign employment agencies—despite efforts, some continue to defraud people. For example, Rainbow Garments Technologies (Pvt) Ltd of Maharagama and Niche Rainbow Garment Technologies in Battaramulla have allegedly defrauded over Rs. 860 million from more than 640 persons for supposed jobs in Romania. Investigations are very slow; charges have not been filed; while one owner has been arrested, the other remains at large. Please look into this personally, ensure a transparent probe, and take action.