A deputy minister has alleged that corruption occurred during recruitment for Sri Lanka's Israel employment programme under the previous administration, with concerns raised over thousands of workers facing potential repatriation.

Parliamentary discussions have surfaced allegations regarding irregularities in Sri Lanka's labour export programme to Israel, prompted by concerns raised by New Democratic Front MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake about the welfare of Sri Lankan workers employed there. The MP noted that approximately 30,000 Sri Lankans currently work in Israel, generating substantial foreign exchange through monthly salaries ranging between Rs. 700,000 and Rs. 800,000. However, he highlighted a significant problem affecting nearly 7,000 workers who initially departed for agricultural and construction sector positions but subsequently transitioned into other forms of employment.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra responded with accusations that during the previous administration, an official letter was issued to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment directing officials to bypass standard recruitment procedures and submit a predetermined list of candidates. Hemachandra stated he intends to table this document and noted that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption is already examining the matter. He characterised the alleged directive as evidence of corrupt practices and pledged that the current Government would maintain transparent standards in foreign employment programmes.

Hemachandra further alleged that many workers recruited for agricultural employment were inadequately informed about job conditions beforehand, leading them to seek alternative positions upon arrival in Israel. This shift created complications with their legal and employment status. He claimed that Israeli authorities had offered a limited amnesty window for regularisation, but asserted that the previous administration failed to act despite the opportunity. The Deputy Minister also alleged that financial irregularities accompanied plans to send an additional 6,000 workers to Israel. The current administration is reportedly engaged in discussions aimed at helping affected workers regularise their status or access alternative arrangements through official channels.