Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nayakkara has officially affirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to dignifying work in the fisheries sector by announcing the impending ratification of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) “Work in Fishing Convention (C188).” This significant step reflects the government’s proactive efforts to ensure equitable and dignified working conditions for the fisheries workforce.

The minister made this significant announcement during the C188 Insight Forum, where the draft regulations were presented and stakeholders were empowered through sensitization.

The forum, held at Taj Samudra today (08), addressed the pressing issue of improving working conditions for approximately 500,000 workers in the fisheries sector, a pivotal part of Sri Lanka’s workforce and economy, contributing 2% to the country’s total exports.

Minister Nayakkara highlighted the goal of providing fishers with the ‘Dignity of Work,’ emphasizing the need to address challenges such as working conditions, fair wages, and safety issues faced by the 220,000 people directly employed and 300,000 indirectly employed in the sector.

“The ratification of the ‘Work in Fishing Convention (C188)’ is not just a legal requirement but a moral duty,” stated Minister Nayakkara. “Our Ministry is actively working on reforms to enhance social security and labor standards, including legal changes, promoting the Dignity of Work, improving social security, and developing a Labour Market Information System.”

The convention, once ratified, will establish standards for decent work, health, safety, and access to medical care for fishers, ensuring the protection of their fundamental human rights. Minister Nayakkara underscored the importance of this commitment, especially for informal sector workers like fishers and farmers, aiming to create a robust social security system.

Ratifying C188 will not only demonstrate Sri Lanka’s dedication to the well-being of its fishers but also position the country favorably in international trade, particularly with the European Union under the GSP+ scheme. Additionally, it opens doors to new markets where working conditions are prioritized.

The Ministry’s initiatives align with the broader objective of fostering a sustainable and humane working environment, contributing to the prosperity of the fisheries sector and the overall national economy.

Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara told Parliament today that a total of 900 Electric Vehicle import licenses have been issued to Sri Lankans who have sent remittances to Sri Lanka through legal channels, and USD 100 million has been received for importing vehicles.
Although the President has been informed to extend the time given to issue the letters of credit related import of these vehicles on three occasions, some officials in the Ministry of Finance have not taken the necessary steps in this regard.
However, the Minister said that there has been some hindrance in the issuance of letters of credit for importing electric vehicles introduced to Sri Lankan migrant workers who remit money through legal channels.

The Minister emphasized that even though the President and the Cabinet have taken all the decisions in this regard, the relevant officials have not yet provided support to make this a success.
The Minister also said that due to the several activities of the officers of the Treasury, a procedure to extend the issuance of letters of credit has been hindered.
Minister Manusha Nanayakkara said this while joining the debate related to the expenditure head of the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment.
“During the time of former Presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa, there was the same group of officials in the Treasury. There are officers who have been in the Treasury for many years. In fact, these are the same people who were there at a time when the economy collapsed. They are still taking time to extend the date of opening the letters of credit related to importing electric vehicles, especially as they block the benefits to be given to the people who have brought millions of dollars to the country at the time of need. We don’t know what their political agendas are. The President and all of us should pay attention to this matter” he added.
He went onto say that attention should also be paid on how to move the country forward with officials like this.
“The Cabinet approved tax concessions according to the amount of foreign remittances sent by expatriate workers. It was also decided to give more tax concessions for migrant workers who sent more foreign remittances. But even though the cabinet has approved these and the cabinet gazette, has published, the Customs has still been unable to give this tax relief to the migrant workers” he exlained.
An affidavit was obtained from every worker leaving Sri Lanka that they would send remittances according to the law. That is how we managed to bring foreign exchange into the country. In addition, even the commission received by foreign employment agencies should be brought through banks. Even investigations were conducted in this regard. What we need to do is to explain the real situation in the country and start doing our own work and start making this change. In this budget too, we have started to make that change.
The leader of the Opposition said about the injustice done to Muslims. We were against it even then. Even Though we were in the opposition, we were against it. Even if we are in the ruling Party today, we condemn the harm done to the Muslim people in accordance with our conscience. It will continue to be the same. We are working to create laws to prevent such things from happening again.
He went onto say that Japanese job opportunities in the civil Aviation sector will be opened for Sri Lankan’s from next March

He added that 2850 migrant labour committees have been formed in the villages to expedite matters related to migrant workers at the village level.

The Minister also emphasized that despite numerous warnings people still get caught in foreign employment rackets and offering of job opportunities on visit Visa’s by fraudulent individuals and organizations.

Minister Nanayakkara also told Parliament that the Labour Act will be changed so that 30 percent of the employees’ provident fund can be taken for any need of the country.

He also emphasized that by 2025, Sri Lanka will be a child labour free country

The Minister said dignity for labor will be ensured through the ‘Garu Saru’ programme and a public-private partnership approach will be initiated prevent Human Trafficking and illegal methods of remittances

The Minister also stressed that affairs at the SLBFE will be fully digitized to enhance transparency and prevent illegal activities related to foreign employment.

The Courtyard by Marriott Colombo marked the beginning of the festive season with a dazzling Christmas tree lighting ceremony held on the 30^th, November at the hotel’s picturesque Lobby. The event was launched by the hotel’s General Manager, Mr. Elton Hurtis , and together with the owner of the hotel, they illuminated the majestic Christmas tree, casting a warm and festive glow over the evening.

Guests were treated to an array of delectable festive canapés and beverages, setting the stage for an evening of merriment and festive cheer. The sound of enchantingChristmas carols filled the air as guests were serenaded by the talented Trello, who captivated the audience with their harmonious renditions of beloved seasonal classics.

The celebration was further enriched by the presence of the hotel’s owners, esteemed guests, media representatives, social media influencers, and dedicated associates, all of whom gathered to embrace the spirit of the season. This marked the first Christmas celebration at the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, and the hotel proudly welcomed its guests into its vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Guests exchanged warm wishes and expressed their anticipation for the upcoming holiday season. The event concluded on a high note, leaving guests with cherished memories of the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo’s inaugural Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

About Courtyard by Marriott

Courtyard by Marriott is the hotel brand of choice for trailblazing guests who are inspired by a passion to do great things. With more than 1,265 locations in 60 countries and territories, Courtyard is passionate about empowering its guests and serving the needs of travellers everywhere, no matter the purpose of their trip. Its thoughtfully designed guestrooms provide an elevated experience to relax and recharge, complete with plush bedding and flexible work spaces. Guests are able to work, eat well, connect, and be at their best to keep moving forward to succeed.

By Nelum Buddhadasa