JVP Politburo member Sunil Handunneththi has requested the Minister of External Affairs to reconsider the decision to close the Consulate in Cyprus.
Addressing a letter to Minister G.L. Peiris on the 24th, Mr Handunneththi states that nearly 6,000 Sri Lankans were still working in Cyprus. The decision to close the Consulate General was dubious.
On December 16, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs was quoted as saying that the government was closing three of its diplomatic service offices in three foreign countries. These are the embassies and consulates in Cyprus, Nigeria and Frankfurt, Germany. The reason given for this decision was the need to cut costs.
However, due to this decision taken by the government, there is a risk that Sri Lankans working in those countries will face severe problems in the future.
Below is a translation of the letter sent by Mr Handunnetti to the Minister of External Affairs.
Mr G.L. Peiris,
Minister of External Affairs
Ministry of External Affairs
24/12/2021
Minister,
Closure of the Consulate of Cyprus
The media reported on December 16 that the Sri Lankan government had decided to close three embassies in three foreign countries, namely Cyprus, Nigeria and Frankfurt, Germany. The reason given for this decision was the need to cut costs.
First of all, we would like to express our regret that we, as a country, have to confront such a situation. Also of great concern here is the closure of the Consulate General in Cyprus.
There is difficulty obtaining the contributions of about 6,000 Sri Lankans who have worked in Cyprus made to the Cyprus Social Security Fund. Some Sri Lankans have not been able to bring their contributions of Rs. 5 to 6 million to Sri Lanka. The reason for this situation is the active laws and regulations in the relevant country. The Sri Lankan Consulate in Cyprus was intervening diplomatically to resolve this issue.
However, there is no doubt that the closure of the Consulate General in Cyprus is a severe hindrance to this process and will make Sri Lankans already serving in Cyprus confront severe issues in obtaining diplomatic service.
It is not justifiable to suspend diplomatic relations in a country where maintaining diplomatic relations is essential and affects many Sri Lankans. There is no doubt that due to this decision, the account holders who are involved in obtaining the aforesaid Social Security Fund will face severe difficulties. Therefore, we call on you to reconsider your decision to close the Sri Lankan Consulate established to carry out diplomatic missions in Cyprus.
If not, we request that an official be appointed within the Ministry of External Affairs to deal with the said Social Security Fund.
Thank you.
Yours truly,
Sunil Handunnetti
Member of the Political Bureau
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna.
