Government spokesperson Minister Dullas Alahapperuma says the decision to increase the premium paid to expatriate workers to Rs. 38 per US dollar was taken to encourage Sri Lankans to use official channels.
Speaking during the weekly Cabinet media briefing, Minister Alahapperuma noted that dollars are being sent to Sri Lanka using informal channels.
He said due to the prevailing economic situation in the country, they are encouraging expatriate workers to use only licensed financial institutions.
The Minister noted that the exact mechanism to be used by the Central Bank regarding remittances will be notified by the Governor of the Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal tomorrow.
