77 Indian workers in Sri Lanka to return home

As many as 77 Indians workers employed with an Indian private company here, will return home in the next couple of days. The Indian High Commission in Colombo had intervened to ensure their return following charges of mistreatment by the management. Local media reported that the workers, employed with Bhuwalka Steel Private Limited here, had raised concerns over a salary dispute. The management had reportedly retained the workers’ passports, preventing them from leaving. After relatives of the employees appealed to the central government, seeking their early release, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj directed the Indian High Commission in Colombo to make necessary arrangements for their departure. “They're not being held captive; they're facing labour issues. I assure you we're in constant touch with the company and the men will be back in India within 24 to 48 hours,” said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin, following reports that the company had held the workers captive. The labourers are said to be from different parts of India, with many from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Following a similar labour dispute in the company last year, the Indian High Commission intervened to ensure nearly 20 workers were safely repatriated. (The Hindu)