GOVERNMENT INITIATES DIALOGUE WITH INDIA
India too wanted to stop the migration of its nationals through informal channels for work in Sri Lanka
Amid complaints about Indian nationals working in Sri Lanka without valid work permits, the Labour and Labour Relations Ministry will initiate a fresh dialogue with the Indian authorities to contain the problem, a minister said yesterday.
There are a large number of Indian nationals working, mainly at foundries in Sri Lanka, without any valid work permit. Also, Indian nationals work as har- vesting machine operators in paddy cultivation areas.
Labour and Labour Relations Minister Gamini Lokuge told Daily Mirror that his ministry’s secretary Upali Wijeweera took wing to India last evening to discuss the issue with the Indian authorities.
The minister said India too wanted to stop the migration of its nationals through informal channels for work in Sri Lanka.
"We want to regularise this matter. Our secretary, along with his counterpart, will work out the formalities needed," he said.
The minister said Indian nationals used to work in differ-
It is high time that the Sri Lanka should train its youth in skilled work. There is a dearth of skilled labourers in some sectors such as steel casting
ent sectors such as tourism, and steel work in Sri Lanka.
"It is high time that the Sri Lanka should train its youth in skilled work. There is a dearth of skilled labourers in some sectors such as steel casting," he said.
Besides, the minister said there was a shortage of 40,000 workers in the apparel industry. Low salaries and lack of incentive have kept youths away from the industry.
Asked whether foreign workers would be hired to work in garment factories, he said no.
"If we do it, our youths will be at disadvantage in the end. We are asking factory owners to give better incentives and facilities. It has to be made an attractive job," he said.