FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Manusha Nanayakkara, the former Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, has urged expatriates to remit their earnings to Sri Lanka via authorized financial institutions. In a social media post, he encouraged individuals to transfer their dollars through the banking system legally.
“Ensure that you send your hard-earned money to Sri Lanka through legitimate channels,” Nanayakkara advised. “You will benefit from favorable exchange rates. However, if you choose to use unofficial methods, it could negatively impact even your own family members.”
He emphasized the importance of this message, noting that many people believe it is impossible to develop the country from abroad. Yet, he highlighted that it is feasible, as demonstrated by those who contributed to the economy during challenging times. “You are among those who proved this during moments when our nation’s economy faced severe setbacks,” he stated.
Nanayakkara acknowledged the vital role expatriates play in strengthening the economy through their remittances. “This is why we took initiatives to expand foreign employment opportunities during our governance,” he remarked.
He called on workers to unite beyond political affiliations, stressing that an economic crisis cannot be resolved through ideological means alone. “We must not allow our nation to experience another collapse. Transform your diligent efforts into a powerful force that will support the nation’s stability. Contribute as much as you can to enhance foreign reserves by remitting dollars to Sri Lanka through official banking channels,” he concluded. (Colombo/May22/2026)
