The distressing tale of Kumudini Sandya Kumari Seneviratne, a Sri Lankan housemaid seeking employment in Saudi Arabia, has unfolded in the Mundalama area, shedding light on the dire circumstances faced by migrant workers pursuing opportunities abroad.
Seneviratne, hailing from Kajuwatta in Mundalama, embarked on her journey to Saudi Arabia on May 23, 2023, after securing employment through a private foreign employment agency in Kurunegala. Following proper procedures, she registered with the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau before departing her homeland.
However, her hopes for a better future quickly turned into a nightmare as she encountered harassment in her initial place of employment, prompting her to seek refuge and file a complaint with the Sri Lankan Embassy. Despite intervention and a change of employer arranged by the foreign employment agency, Seneviratne continued to endure mistreatment, leading her to seek another placement.
Her husband, Warnakulasuriya Neranjan Fernando, recounted the harrowing experiences his wife endured, revealing that she was referred to her previous employer's brother's house by the employment agency for the third time. There, she became a victim of severe physical assault and was subjected to acidic liquid, resulting in serious burn injuries and a lower limb fracture that required hospitalization.
Fernando has pleaded for swift action from the Foreign Employment Bureau and other relevant authorities to facilitate Seneviratne's return to Sri Lanka. Despite being under the care of the Sri Lankan Embassy, he remains unable to establish direct contact with her, raising concerns about her current condition.
In response to the distressing situation, efforts are underway to ensure Seneviratne's safety and well-being. The Sri Lankan Embassy is actively involved, providing medical assistance and coordinating efforts to address the legal aspects of the abuse. The incident has prompted calls for enhanced protection for Sri Lankan workers abroad, with the Foreign Employment Bureau being alerted to the urgent need for intervention and support.
