SLBFE MEDIA Kandy, 22nd February 2025 – The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, in collaboration with licensed foreign employment agencies, successfully hosted the first foreign job fair of 2025 at the Nugawela Central College premises in Kandy. The event, which was a joint effort of the Central Provincial Office and the Marketing Division, aimed to provide local youth with opportunities to explore overseas employment prospects.
The fair attracted a significant number of job seekers, offering them the chance to apply for foreign employment and receive guidance on training courses necessary for securing jobs abroad. It also provided valuable information on obtaining relevant certifications and vocational skills. Notably, the program featured special initiatives such as the awarding of scholarships to children of expatriate workers and assistance for self-employment opportunities.
A key highlight of the event was the participation of government-recognized institutions such as the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), the Vocational Training Authority (VTA), and the Hotel School, which helped facilitate recruitment for high-demand vocational jobs in the international employment market. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, who addressed the gathering, praised the scholarship program and pledged continued support for the children of migrant workers, even after they return to the country. He emphasized the importance of registering with the Foreign Employment Bureau for those seeking employment abroad and stressed the need for a transparent recruitment process, addressing concerns about irregularities under previous administrations.
Hemachandra also outlined the government’s commitment to leading the country on a progressive path, ensuring that corruption, fraud, and waste are tackled effectively to leave a prosperous future for the next generation. The job fair concluded on a high note, with participants expressing optimism about the new opportunities presented for overseas employment and vocational training.