The Hon. Hector Appuhamy

¶ 01 Presiding Member, I second Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri’s motion and wish to add a few remarks. Foreign employment is a vital sector. For too long, we sent mainly domestic workers instead of building a pipeline of skilled workers; the related “training” has often been inadequate. We must overhaul training so that our people are professionally prepared, which would yield returns even greater than some export sectors. Sri Lankans are valued globally as diligent, skilled, and creative.

¶ 02 Who should be sent as Labour Welfare Officers? Beyond academic qualifications, certain traits are essential: compassion; empathy and the ability to listen and diagnose problems; a love for the country and its people; and integrity—not being beholden to agencies or employers. Too often, some officers have been subservient to foreign agencies or employers.

¶ 03 We should train prospective officers extensively—language, local laws, institutional landscapes, business practices, and the ecosystem of agencies and government entities in the host country. Select from officers within the Foreign Employment Bureau or related services who already have relevant exposure, then provide 6–12 months of rigorous training before posting. Such officers, upon arrival, can quickly identify issues, build networks, rescue and support our nationals, and guide them properly. That is the structured approach we need. Thank you.

¶ 04 Question proposed.