A case brought before the Colombo District Court has highlighted a growing issue where foreign men marry Sri Lankan women, only to abandon them shortly after. The case, heard by Colombo Additional District Judge Chandima Edirimanne, involved a woman seeking legal recourse after her foreign husband left the country following their honeymoon.
The lawyer representing the plaintiff revealed that the foreign man had promised his client a better life abroad, but after the marriage, he abandoned her and returned to his home country. The woman has since filed a lawsuit, seeking both a divorce and compensation of Rs. 500,000 for the mental and financial damage she suffered.
The foreign defendant has reportedly refused to pay the requested compensation, prompting further legal action. A lawyer representing the defendant appeared in court to contest the claims.
The plaintiff’s lawyer stressed that such cases have been on the rise in recent years, with many women left in vulnerable positions due to broken promises and lack of legal awareness. These women often face significant emotional and financial hardships, navigating complex legal processes to secure divorces and claim damages.
The case underscores the need for greater awareness and protective measures for Sri Lankan women entering marriages with foreign nationals, as well as stricter enforcement of legal obligations on the part of foreign spouses.
