The Hon. Vijitha Herath

¶ 01 I need not read it all. In many places it says “Pakistan”: “recognition in the Pakistan by the appropriate authority…”, “In the Pakistan, basic expenses…” etc. Under this, if a worker dies, compensation is referenced to Pakistan. I do not know whether Pakistan is even aware. This is unlawful. One wonders if it was even read before signing. Only in two or three places “Sri Lanka” appears; elsewhere it says “Pakistan”, e.g., “In the event of worker’s death while on duty, procedures and expenses for returning to Pakistan,” “consultation with the Pakistan Embassy in Korea,” etc. It was signed between Minister Manusha Nanayakkara and the Mayor of Wando County. This is in no way a lawful MoU; it is illegal. Sadly, our youth have suffered because of this. They, seeing a visa, tried to go, but due to the illegality cannot proceed. Therefore, under this MoU we cannot send our youth; and the SLFEA has no legal basis to intervene if they get into trouble. The illegal “E8 visa” route will not continue. We will take special measures to assist those who were trapped by that wrong process and provide relief mechanisms.