The fate of 80 000 Sri Lankans in Lebanon remains uncertain after the serious economic collapse faced by the country. According to reports, the situation has left those employed part-time and living in the country without a valid visa the most vulnerable.
“The main issue faced by us is the collapse of the Lira. It has fallen three times as much when compared to one dollar. They don’t exchange Lira now for Dollars. In Sri Lanka, we cannot exchange Lira for Rupees and we must send in money in Dollars. But after working for over a month we cannot even remit 100 Dollars to our loved ones. Even for that, we must pay in three times the amount of Lira as before” a Sri Lankan living in Lebanon told the Lankasara.
Nearly 95 percent of 80 000 Sri Lankans employed in Lebanon are women working as domestic workers. The remainder is men working as domestic workers and drivers.
According to diplomatic sources in Lebanon, Sri Lankans living in the country have yet contracted Covid 19 and the mission has been providing relief and assistance to Sri Lankan citizens there. Currently, 1191 Covid 19 patients have been found in Lebanon and 708 have recovered while 26 deaths were also reported from the country.
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