The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 Formulation of a proper methodology for the appointment of Labour Welfare Officers.

¶ 02 Presiding Member, I move the following motion:

¶ 03 “This Parliament resolves that, as numerous problems have arisen due to the lack of a proper procedure thus far in the appointment of Labour Welfare Officers responsible for the welfare of migrant workers who contribute significantly to Sri Lanka’s economy, the Government should formulate an appropriate methodology to prevent such a situation.”

¶ 04 Thank you for the opportunity. To my recollection, in the Ninth Parliament we could not move private members’ motions; only those then in Opposition, now in Government, understood their value.

¶ 05 Presiding Member, Standing Order 248 governs private members’ motions (not 168, as earlier corrected this morning). The appointment process for Labour Welfare Officers must be substantially reformed with a proper methodology. If this Government cherishes foreign remittances, it is thanks to migrant workers who toil abroad under hardships. We need capable officers to guide and protect them, not political appointees. In the past, ministers appointed their supporters to these posts; no one knows this better than the current Government, who criticized such practices while in Opposition.

¶ 06 Prime Minister, will you now ensure recruitment based on education, capacity, and special skills, under a clear service scheme? We expect a transparent process—advertised applications, merit-based selection, proper placements—especially prioritizing qualifications and competencies. Decisions should be distanced from ministerial whim; otherwise, the same past abuses repeat.

¶ 07 We want officers who can truly safeguard our migrant workers—people who can intervene, protect, and deliver services—rather than those appointed due to patronage. Many promises to migrants, like tax concessions or vehicle import schemes, remain unimplemented. Some have served 10–15 years abroad and seek practical avenues to benefit.

¶ 08 I am not sure if the subject Minister is present; nevertheless, this timely motion seeks a robust method to appoint Labour Welfare Officers to protect dollar-earning migrant workers. We ask the Government to present a sound plan.

¶ 09 We have seen injustices, violence, and abuse faced by our workers overseas, while some appointed officers pursued personal matters. Do not allow a return to that. Although many prior officers were recalled, replacements have not been appointed promptly; beneficiaries wonder where to turn. Please expedite and implement a credible appointment process. Otherwise, migrant workers will face a grave crisis. Thank you.