A Sri Lankan diplomat has been ordered by a court to pay more than half a million Australian dollars to her former housekeeper in back wages during her stay in Canberra allegedly under conditions similar to modern slavery.

Himalee Arunatilaka, who served as the former deputy high commissioner of Sri Lanka between 2015 and 2018, paid Priyanka Danaratna just three per cent of the minimum wage in Australia, according to the Federal Court.

Ms Arunatilaka paid Ms Danaratna £5,805 (AUD$11,212) during her three years of work, David Hillard, the domestic worker’s lawyer said. The national minimum wage for a 38-hour week is £340.12 (AUD $656.90).

“She worked seven days a week for three years, and she had two days off in that entire time – and she did that because she burned her hand while preparing some food,” Mr Hillard, a pro bono partner at the law firm Clayton Utz, said.

Ms Danaratna filed a civil case against her employer under the Fair Work Act after she fled Ms Arunatilaka’s residence.

The Federal Court on Thursday found that Ms Arunatilaka breached the Fair Work Act and was ordered to pay £193,642 (AUD$374,000) in unpaid wages and a further £87,501.44 (AUD$169,000) in interest, bringing the total amount owed to more than £281,143 (AUD$543,000).

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