The Voice of Migrants Network (VoM) has called for safeguarding the rights of migrant workers, who have become an essential component of the labour movement.
In a May Day message, the VoM says 1.5 million migrant workers shoulder a considerable burden of Sri Lanka’s economy.
However, they are being exploited and are forced to work under difficult conditions without social security, sanitation, safety etc.
Welcoming the steps taken by the government recently for their betterment, the VOM urges that priority be given to safeguard their rights and to ensure their welfare.
The VOM’s membership comprises:
1) Ape Shakthi Gami Kantha Padanama
2) Aaruthal
3) Catholic Commission
4) Center for Human Rights and Community Development (CHRCD)
5) Community Development Services
6) Darani Swashakthi Padanama
7) Eastern Self-Reliant Community Awakening Organisation (ESCO)
8) Environment and Community Development Information Centre
9) Future in our Hands Development Fund
10) Lanka Plus
11) Migrant Workers’ Association, Kilinochchi
12) National Union of Sri Lanka Seafarers (NUSS)
13) Plantation Rural Education Development Organization (PREDO)
14) Praja Diriya Padanama
15) Protect Union
16) Rajarata Gami Pahana
17) Rajarata Praja Kendraya
18) Sesatha Economic and Livelihood Development Association
19) Social Organizations Networking for Development (SOND)
20) Social Welfare Organization, Ampara District (SWOAD)
21) Solidarity Centre (American Centre for International Labor Solidarity)
22) Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya (SLNSS)
23) Stand Up Movement
24) The Power Foundation
25) Tissa Jaya Lama Padanama
26) Uva Shakthi Foundation
27) Uva Wellassa Women’s Organization
28) Wayamba Farmers, Environmental and Human Development
29) Women’s Development Federation
30) Women and Media Collective
31) Working Women’s Front
32) Voluntary Organization for Vulnerable Community Development
33) Young Muslim Men’s Association, Kandy