Government takes serious note of mistreatment of 77 Indian labourers in Sri Lanka

The government has taken "serious note" of complaints against an Indian company, involved in alleged mistreatment of 77 Indian labourers in Sri Lanka, and directed its mission in Colombo to make immediate arrangements for their return.

The government also is contemplating strict action against the erring company, according to government sources.

"External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is also the Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, has taken serious note of the issue and has spoken to Indian High Commissioner Yash Sinha in Colombo and directed him to make immediate arrangements for their return," the sources said on Sunday.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said, "It is a labour-related issue. Our mission has already taken up the matter with the company and we are working on a solution and hopeful of a resolution by tomorrow."  He was replying to a question on whether the Indians were being held hostage in Sri Lanka.

Most of the workers involved in the dispute are reportedly from UP and Bihar. They had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swaraj, seeking their intervention to resolve the matter.