The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi

¶ 01 Presiding Member, thank you. We, as the Government, focus on this proposal and appreciate tabling it to further strengthen ongoing measures.

¶ 02 Opposition members often say we must act now; the public understands well what has transpired over the years. Today we discussed cooperative issues, farmers’ challenges, and Government rice stocks; similarly, on Labour Welfare Officers and diplomatic services, every Government should have addressed long-standing policy gaps. Our Government—the National People’s Power administration—does not intend to let these be delayed further. We are studying them in depth and acting decisively.

¶ 03 This very motion calls for a proper procedure for appointing Labour Welfare Officers tasked with the safety and welfare of Sri Lankan workers abroad. We know that in various periods some officers failed their duties, and our workers suffered at missions and in dealings with employers. We intend to identify and correct these issues swiftly.

¶ 04 A proper procedure has long been lacking. Hansard of 6 March 2007, under “Sri Lanka Missions Abroad,” shows these officers were recruited on contracts without formal procedures. Even from 2020–2022, there was no standardized scoring or approved methodology. On 28 April 2021, the Cabinet instructed the Department of Management Services to formulate a process, but the subject minister at the time did not implement it, continuing ad hoc appointments. Our Government is now regularizing recruitment, ensuring merit, transparency, and suitability, and restoring dignity to our missions and better serving migrant workers. We have already focused on this and are taking necessary steps. Thank you.