Shocking $100,000 Fine for Former Sri Lankan Diplomat Over Domestic Worker Exploitation
A former Sri Lankan diplomat in Australia has been fined over $100,000 for exploiting a domestic worker, who was paid less than a dollar an hour.
Canberra, Australia, Sri Lanka, Domestic Worker, Exploitation, Diplomat
Danaratna worked 16-hour days, seven days a week, and was isolated in Arunatilaka’s home. She even had her passport taken away, making it impossible for her to leave without permission. The court found that Arunatilaka’s actions were intentional and calculated, showing a blatant disregard for Danaratna’s rights.
Despite being ordered to pay over $500,000 in back wages, Arunatilaka has refused to cough up any of the money. The judge described the conditions Danaratna faced as “egregious and exploitative,” highlighting how she was cut off from the community and treated like a prisoner.
Arunatilaka, who served as Sri Lanka’s deputy high commissioner in Australia, has not engaged with the court process and continues to work as Sri Lanka’s representative to the UN. The Sri Lankan government has also dismissed the court’s findings, claiming Danaratna absconded and that she was paid as agreed.
This case has raised serious concerns about the treatment of domestic workers in diplomatic households, with calls for reforms to protect these vulnerable individuals from exploitation. The judge emphasized the need for strong penalties to deter similar abuses in the future.