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SLFEB’s ‘Rataviru’ programme ordered closed by Jan.8, before Jan.30 schedule
A Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLFEB) programme known as ‘Rataviru’, launched on Monday this week, to help dependants of Sri Lanka’s migrant workers, was scheduled to end January 30, 2015, but has now been ordered to be completed on or before the Presidential Elections on January 8.
According to SLFEB sources, the new date had been verbally conveyed to the relevant officials islandwide, with no reasons provided.
‘Rataviru’, with some 331 branches islandwide, is tasked to uplift the living standards of migrant workers’ dependants, such as provide self-employment and higher educational opportunities to their children, among other issues.
The ‘Rataviru’ programme had received a sum of Rs 5 million from the State, with each branch receiving Rs 10,000 from the State, they said.
They added that, some 1,000 scholarships are to be granted to those who failed to gain university entrance. The scholarships will include training in nursing, construction and the hospitality industry, with each candidate receiving Rs 30,000, the source said.
‘Rataviru’ scholarship recipients have been asked to participate at District level meetings, with each participant paid Rs 1,000 for travel and board, they said.
Regional politicians and other State officials have also been told to attend these meetings, according to the sources.
The ‘Rataviru’ organisers earlier had a meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees.
SLFEB Additional General Manager Mangala Randeniya denied the verbal directive to advance the date of completion of the programme, adding that, it is an ongoing exercise.