Sri Lankan Diplomat Accused of Modern Slavery in Australia

A Federal Court in Australia has ordered Himalee Arunatilaka, a former Sri Lankan diplomat, to pay over AUD $543,000 to her ex-housekeeper, Priyanka Danaratna, for back wages and interest accrued during Danaratna's employment in Canberra from 2015 to 2018. The court found that Arunatilaka paid Danaratna only three percent of the minimum wage, amounting to just AUD $11,212 over three years, in violation of the Fair Work Act. The court's ruling highlighted Arunatilaka's lack of engagement in the legal proceedings, as she failed to file any defense or evidence against Danaratna's claims. The judge noted that Arunatilaka had been notified multiple times about the claims and the hearing but chose not to participate. The total compensation includes AUD $374,000 in unpaid wages and AUD $169,000 in interest. Danaratna's lawyer, David Hillard, described the situation as a clear example of modern slavery, where vulnerable workers are trapped in exploitative conditions. He alleged that Danaratna was denied breaks and holidays, and her passport was confiscated, restricting her freedom. Danaratna recounted a pivotal moment when she managed to escape with the help of the Salvation Army, highlighting the dire circumstances she faced. In a commentary piece, Hillard questioned whether the greater embarrassment lies with the diplomat's financial penalty or the Sri Lankan foreign ministry's defense of her actions, emphasizing the serious implications of such exploitation on an international scale.