LANKANS IN MIDDLE EAST JAILED FOR THEFT AND DRUG-RELATED OFFENCES
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said yesterday that currently there were 176 Sri Lankans serving jail terms for various offences in the Middle East and another 107 had pending criminal cases against them.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Media Spokesman of SLBFE Mangala Randeniya said the highest number of cases had been recorded for theft and drug-related crime.
“The majority of prisoners have been convicted on theft and drug related offences. And there are a few other cases reported for murder and unethical behaviour,” he said.
He went on to state that many of the inmates were detained in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
“There are around 180 inmates in Saudi Arabia and 69 in Qatar. Most of them are males and only a few are females,” the spokesman said.
The SLBFE said according to Sharia law in the Middle East most of these convicts have been subjected to high penalties.
The Spokesman further stated that the government of Sri Lanka had always looked into the matters of these inmates.
“The government has taken a lot of steps regarding these men and women. If anybody who is working abroad is convicted we take immediate steps to make his or her family aware of it. And when a case is pending, and if we realise legal aid should be provided we take steps to provide it. And we pay visits to those prisons where Sri Lankans have been imprisoned. We try our best to support them with psychological assistance. Not only that, we also provide welfare for the families of the
“The majority of prisoners have been convicted on theft and drug related offences. And there are a few other cases reported for murder and unethical behaviour,”
inmates who are economically challenged,” Mr. Randeniya said.
The SLBFE also stated unless it was an exceptional case like that of Rizana Nafeek, President’s pardon will not be extended to those who are found guilty.
Mr. Mangala Randeniya advised that hopeful Lankans should be trained in Sharia law prior to their departure.
“Before men and women go to the Middle East for employment we give them training on the Sharia Law and of penalties that they may be subjected to if by any chance they are convicted. Everybody who goes abroad for employment should live by the rules of that country and not harm the good name of his or her motherland,” he added.