Five Nepali Workers Stranded in Sri Lanka for Four Months Demand Rescue

Five Nepali workers from Rautahat have been stranded for four months in Warigoda, Sri Lanka, and are requesting rescue and repatriation to Nepal. The workers complain that they have not received their monthly salary of 300 US dollars or proper meal provisions, have been confined like hostages in the middle of a forest, and have not been provided with safety equipment. The Foreign Employment Department has blocked the ID of Peace Nepal Overseas and stated that it is preparing to take action if a complaint is filed, according to spokesperson Shivakoti. April 29, Kathmandu.

Attracted by the promise of rewarding foreign employment and salary, five young Nepali workers from Rautahat traveled to Sri Lanka and have been stranded for four months in Warigoda, located in the Northwestern Province’s Kuliapitiya area. They were employed as general workers at the manufacturing company ‘Consark.’ Though their contracts specified a monthly salary of 300 US dollars, an 8-hour workday, and 6 working days per week, they have not received their salaries or promised benefits.

Despite repeatedly requesting rescue and repatriation, the embassy and manpower agencies have reportedly paid no attention to their plight. The workers have contacted Kathmandu, urging for their rescue and safe return home. They had paid NPR 185,000 to Peace Nepal Manpower before departing for Sri Lanka on January 12, 2026. Among those stranded are MD Asraf Ali, Mohammad Ikramul, Mohammad Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, and Bishwanath Sah from Rautahat.

According to one affected worker, they were sent to work on ‘coco pits’ (coconut husk packing) and machine operation but have been kept in an unsafe location in the midst of forest. “The company is not as shown to us; we are confined in a room in the jungle and have not been allowed outside the gate for three months,” he said. “We are not permitted to buy food, not even to bring biscuits; we are held like hostages.” Although their contract promised 300 dollars monthly, they have only received half the salary so far.

Arriving with loans from home, the workers are now under pressure to repay bank loans and moneylenders. “We took loans to come here but are now unable to make installments,” the victim said. They allege they were sent through agents and manpower operators who promised to transfer them to better companies within 10–15 days, but four months have passed without change. While videos shown in Nepal portrayed good working conditions, after arrival they found themselves working in dusty, hazardous environments without safety gear.

“The manpower agency in Nepal promised good conditions, but here we face risk without protective gear like dress or goggles,” they complained. Since arriving in Sri Lanka on January 12, they have only worked 17 days and received half salary for February. They also alleged that the company manager manipulated attendance records, showing fewer actual working days than they truly worked.

The families of the stranded workers have come to Kathmandu to file a complaint with the Foreign Employment Department. They are demanding pressure on the manpower agency to ensure the safe rescue and return of their loved ones with their families. The department has blocked the ID of Peace Nepal Overseas and said it will take action if complaints are received. According to spokesperson Chandrabhadur Shivakoti, no complaints have been filed yet but action will be taken if they arise. “No complaint has come so far, but once received, even with the manpower block, we will take necessary steps to bring them back to Nepal,” Shivakoti stated.

Meanwhile, Suresh Shahi, manager of Peace Nepal Overseas, claims that monthly salaries have been paid regularly and accused the workers of creating problems. “It is incorrect that salaries have not been paid; there are just some minor disputes. Food and accommodation are well arranged, but workers complain about small issues,” he said. The Nepali Embassy in Sri Lanka has also expressed concern, summoned company representatives, and is working on resolving the issues.