The campaign for “My Fair Home”, an initiative to create fair working environments for domestic workers in Lebanon, was launched on 22 March 2018 in Beirut, under the patronage of Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Lebanon Mrs.H.M.G.R.R.K.Wijerathne Mendis. The ceremoncial launch was held at the official residence of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka with the participation of a large number of invitees.
The event was organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beirut, in collaboraiton with the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF) and the Sri Lanka Women Association in Lebanon.
Ms.Mariela Acuna, Regional Coordinator of IDWF, Mrs.Josian, Project Manager, Centre for Human Rights, Mrs.Dina Hadad from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mrs.Malani Kandearachchi, President, Sri Lanka Women Association in Lebanon, Ms.Sofia Khan and Ms.Eliza Marks from the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr.Ali Al Amine, President of the Recruitment Agents' Syndicate, and Mr.Deepal Premarathna, Counsellor (E&W) of the Embassy of Sri Lanka were present at this event.
IDWF Regional Coordinator Mariela Acuna explained the objective of the "My Fair Home" campaign. She elaborated that respect for domestic workers, recognition of their work, payment of decent salary, guarantees of sufficient rest and decent living conditions were the main principles behind this initiative.
President of the Sri Lanka Women Association in Lebanon Malani Kandearachchi explained the difficulties that she had to face since the day she arrived in Lebanon as a domestic worker, and stressed the importance of initiatives such as "My Fare Home" in guaranteeing safe working environments for domestic workers.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Ambassador, Counsellor (E&W) Deepal Premarathna gave a briefing on the services and assistance provided by the Labour Section of the Embassy to the Sri Lankan domestic workers in Lebanon. Mr.T.Luxmidharan, Second Secretary (Labour) of the Embassy delivered the vote of thanks.
