Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Mr. Arun Hemachandra, addressed the 900th batch of job seekers departing for South Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS) yesterday . The event took place at the auditorium of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, where Minister Hemachandra highlighted the critical role of foreign employment in supporting the country’s economy.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister said that the recent economic crisis, exacerbated by decisions of previous government, has driven many Sri Lankans to seek employment opportunities abroad. Since the introduction of the EPS in 2004, a total of 78,153 Sri Lankans have secured employment in South Korea. This year alone, 710 job seekers have already left for Korea, with 64 more departing today.
Minister Hemachandra urged those leaving for Korea to return to Sri Lanka after their employment and contribute to the nation’s development with the knowledge and experience they gain abroad. He also assured that the government is committed to providing job opportunities and necessary support to those who wish to reintegrate into the local workforce.
Emphasizing the importance of safe and legal employment practices, the Deputy Minister warned against the dangers of fraud and money laundering, urging job seekers to ensure they go through legal channels. He noted that the majority of Sri Lankans heading to Korea are young people and called on them to work together for the advancement of their country.
“We have all experienced the hardships of the recent crisis, from fuel shortages to the strain on foreign reserves. Our country depends on foreign exchange, and the contribution from foreign employment is essential to rebuilding our economy. In light of these realities, the government is committed to providing secure, legal employment opportunities abroad,” said Minister Hemachandra.
The event was also attended by Mr. Kosala Wickramasinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, and other distinguished guests. To qualify for employment in Korea under the EPS, job seekers must pass a computer-based exam and demonstrate proficiency in the Korean language.
