The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) recently held a significant discussion with Japanese representatives, including Mr.Hisayoshi Kimura and Director Masanoby Komiya of IM Japan, on September 3, 2024. The talks focused on expanding job opportunities for Sri Lankans in Japan beyond the existing fields.
Currently, IM Japan provides employment opportunities in construction, nursing services, manufacturing, automotive technicians, and packaging services. The Japanese representatives have agreed to offer additional job opportunities in agriculture, accommodation services, and building cleaning. Both parties also discussed establishing a training pool in Sri Lanka for youth trained in these fields.
To date, nearly 500 Sri Lankans have received technical on-the-job training in Japan through the IM Japan program, with another 100 trainees preparing to go. The meeting also included participation from SLBFE officials, such as Acting Chairman Mr. Jeff Goonawardena, General Manager Mr. D.D.P Senanayake, Additional General Manager (Local Affairs) Mr. P.P Weerasekara, and Deputy General Manager (Training and Recruitment) LY Pathirana.
