The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Presiding Member, we welcome this private member’s motion to establish a proper procedure for appointing Labour Welfare Officers. Under Act No. 21 of 1985, sections 21 and 22, ministers held the power and often used personal and political connections to appoint officers. This led to reputational damage to our country. Hence, a proper methodology is essential.

¶ 02 Abuse of power has been systemic—whether in permits, funds, or housing compensation—and we have suffered for it. While criteria exist within the Foreign Employment Bureau, past ministers often ignored them. We must not only create procedures but also apply them faithfully. The State must regulate and manage foreign employment effectively. Our Government is taking responsibility, examining officers who failed their duties, and taking legal action where necessary. We must also provide proper guidelines—ILO and IOM have issued frameworks which officers should follow. In the past, lack of guidance led to arbitrary practice, harming our workers. We will correct this and move forward as a responsible Government. Thank you.