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Queries over Rs. 15,000 wage for maids
By N.Dilshath Banu
The decision to set a minimum wage of Rs. 15,000 for Sri Lankan migrant workers, especially housemaids, was taken without consulting the host countries, The Sunday Times learns.

The minimum salary decision was taken by the Labour Ministry as part of measures to safeguard the wellbeing of housemaids. The decision will be implemented from July 1.

“It’s our decision and we decided that the housemaids should get a minimum salary of 15,000,” Labour Minister Athauda Seneviratne said. Asked whether he had discussed the matter with countries that employed Sri Lankans, the minister said the matter would be taken up at an international conference in September.

Suraj Dandeniya, president of the Association of Licensed Foreign Employment (ALFEA) said the ministry decision was not practical unless it had the blessings of foreign governments.

“We support this proposal, but some of the gulf countries have rejected it because we are not sending quality workers. It’s important to discuss the matter with other countries before we implement the proposal,” Mr. Dandeniya said.

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