Strong Social Protection Must Be Ensured for Migrant Workers: Arun Hemachandra
29-Sep-2026.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Arun Hemachandra has stressed the importance of ensuring strong social protection systems, safe migration pathways and stable economic security for migrant workers.
He made these remarks while addressing an event held at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo on 28 September 2026 under the theme “Protecting Migrants: Enhancing Social Protection along the South Asia–Middle East Migration Corridor”, organised by the International Labour Organization.
Representatives from countries with large-scale labour migration and countries to which migrant workers travel for employment participated in the event with the objective of strengthening cooperation to ensure social protection for migrant workers.
Continuing his address, Acting Minister Arun Hemachandra pointed out that going abroad for employment should not be a risky process, but rather a process that leads to better opportunities. Accordingly, he said that the safety of migrant workers must be ensured throughout the entire process, beginning with the preparatory stage before departure for employment, followed by recruitment and employment, and extending to their return to their home country and reintegration into society.
He also explained the measures currently being taken by the government to ensure the protection of migrant workers, including increasing death compensation for eligible registered migrant workers to Rs. 2 million, implementing a contributory pension scheme and preparing a new draft law on foreign employment.
He further stated that preparations are currently under way to establish a mechanism enabling Sri Lankans living overseas to exercise their voting rights.
He also stressed that Sri Lanka’s foreign employment policy should not focus solely on increasing the number of workers leaving the country. Instead, attention should also be given to skills development, better employment opportunities, safe and orderly employment processes, strong labour protection, and the long-term economic security of workers and their families.
