It Is Our Duty to Create Skilled Foreign Workers: Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
17-Nov-2025.
The 40th anniversary celebration of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) was held the day before on November 15 at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Organised by the SLBFE together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, External Employment and Tourism, the ceremony was held under the theme “Beyond National Borders – Empowering Sri Lankans.”
At the event, several new initiatives were launched for the welfare of migrant workers. These included the introduction of a mobile app to enhance services for the expatriate community, the increase of the death benefit for a migrant worker from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 100,000, the commencement of a new 24/7 call centre, recognition of successful migrant entrepreneurs and long-standing foreign employment agencies, the launch of a financial aid scheme for migrant workers’ children, the increase of the insurance compensation for worker deaths from Rs. 600,000 to Rs. 2 million, the initiation of a digitalization program for the SLBFE, and the enhancement of housing loan facilities for migrant workers to Rs. 10 million, among many other benefits facilitated through the Presidential Fund.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister commended the expatriate community’s contributions to the national economy, including financial remittances, technological transfer, and labour input. She noted that after 40 years, the foreign employment sector has entered its most progressive era, no longer holding the outdated image once associated with it, but emerging as a forward-looking, equitable, stable, and economically vital sector.
Dr. Amarasuriya emphasised the responsibility of producing skilled, safe, and ethically trained migrant workers, adding that Sri Lanka must transform its human resources into a valued global workforce. She affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare, protection, and safety of Sri Lankans working overseas, and stressed that diplomatic missions must extend greater support in securing foreign employment opportunities and services.
Foreign Minister Wijitha Herath, addressing the event, explained the SLBFE’s duties in deploying workers legally, ensuring their safety and wages, and establishing systems to address health-related issues. He stated that the digital transformation of the SLBFE will enable transparent, fair, and accessible services for citizens. Sending 100% trained workers abroad, and securing high-level and technical employment for Sri Lankans, remains the ministry’s goal.
He added that Sri Lanka will proudly recognise 2025 as the year with the highest-ever foreign exchange earnings through foreign employment. While celebrating the 40th anniversary by deploying more workers abroad, he reiterated that the national objective remains building a strong production-based economy, expanding local employment, and creating a country where people desire to live — goals that will guide the SLBFE’s future operations.
Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra also addressed the gathering, highlighting the bureau’s commitment to safeguarding migrant workers and outlining ongoing government efforts to ensure voting rights for overseas workers.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe, diplomats, the Western Province Governor, migrant workers and their families, and representatives of foreign employment agencies.
