2021-12-28
In celebration of the International Migrants Day
History has shown time and time again that migrants play an important role in shaping and transforming landscapes of countries through various contributions ranging from knowledge, skills and networks in order to build more resilient societies.
This year, on the 18th of December 2021, we celebrate the International Migrants Day under the theme ‘Harnessing the potential of human mobility’. This year marks the 70th Anniversary of the International Organization for Migrations (as renamed in the year 1989), which was founded with the original intention of assisting those who were displaced by the Second World War, but went on to and continues to lead the way in promoting humane and orderly management of migration in not only countries of destination but also that of origin and transit. A milestone that warrants celebration.
Each year, due to various factors resulting from increased magnitude and frequency of natural disasters, economic challenges, poverty and conflict, more and more people either voluntarily become, or are forced to become, international migrants. For example, in the year 2020 alone, almost 281 million people were International Migrants who represent 3.6 of the global population.
“Therefore, it is vital to take note of the increasing trends in out-migration and take steps to develop policies and strategies in order to harness the maximum contribution of migration to the economy of the country while safeguarding and protecting the rights and interests of the migrants as well”, said Hon. State Minister of COVID19 control, Primary Healthcare and Epidemics and the Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle.
The most common form of migration in Sri Lanka in particular is international labour migration which has been on the rise during the last three decades. Estimates suggest that generally around 1.5 million Sri Lankan migrants work abroad while the annual reported outflows average around 200,000 persons per year.
“This day is of special interest to the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus in particular as statistics show that generally around 47.7% of the labour migrants of Sri Lanka are women”, added Dr. Fernandopulle.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting the global economy and human movement since early 2020, the statistics pertaining to migration, labour migration in particular, has altered during the last two years.
“In August, the Government, with the support of the International Organization for Migration and the Australian Government, undertook measures to repatriate a group of Sri Lankan migrant workers from Kuwait”, said Dr Fernandopulle.
With the mobility of people being affected and more labour migrants returning home from destination countries, Sri Lanka is developing strategies to reintegrate and re-socialize by harnessing the skills obtained by such individuals from working abroad for the country’s economic benefit, especially in some identified sectors for economic recovery such as in the fields of tourism and ayurvedhic medicine.
She further remarked, “For the year 2022, Rs. 150 million has been allocated in the budget for the Safe and Regular Labour Migration Programs. We are mindful of the fact that these centres should also be duly monitored ensuring that human rights-based practices are followed”. Furthermore, focusing on one of the most vulnerable stages in the migration process, providing better pre-departure training to labour migrants and also to implementing agencies would be prioritized in the coming year.
In 2018, less-skilled and domestic worker categories represented 55.2% of the total departures for foreign employment from Sri Lanka, as per the statistics obtained from the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).
“In special consideration of this fact, the Women’s Caucus has initiated discussions with the Government for the ratification of ILO Convention No. 189 in order better protect and safeguard the rights and interests of domestic workers, who make a substantial contribution to the economy of Sri Lanka, especially through foreign remittances”, said Dr Fernandopulle.
2026-09-03
The Committee on Ways and Means of Parliament recently reviewed the operations of Sri Lanka Customs, including its revenue performance. The matter was considered when the Committee met recently under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Wijesiri Basnayake.Officials, including the Director General of Customs, informed the Committee that the expected Customs revenue as of June 30, 2026, was Rs. 1,060,559 million, while actual revenue collected by that date amounted to Rs. 1,379,084 million. This represented 130% achievement against the expected revenue target. Officials further informed the Committee that Customs had generated revenue exceeding the monthly targets in every month of the year to date, and that, compared with 2025, higher revenue performance had been recorded in each month.Providing information on vehicle imports in 2026, officials stated that 316,000 vehicles had been imported as of June 30, 2026, generating Rs. 512,547 million in tax revenue. According to the information presented to the Committee, the highest amount of tax revenue, Rs. 386,726 million, had been generated through the importation of motor vehicles.Furthermore, among the categories of commodities generating the highest Customs revenue, petrol motor cars less than 1,000cc ranked first, generating Rs. 137.4 billion. This represented 9.96% of total revenue.The Committee also focused on matters including the volume of imported containers and the procedures followed for their inspection, the introduction of modern technology to improve the efficiency of Sri Lanka Customs operations, challenges in revenue administration, and future plans.Several Members of the Committee on Ways and Means, together with officials representing the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Sri Lanka Customs, participated in the Committee meeting.
2026-09-03
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs focused its attention on a number of matters relating to ensuring public security, curbing illegal activities, and enhancing the efficiency of the police service.This was discussed when the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs met in Parliament on the Aug. 21st, under the chairmanship of Hon. Minister Ananda Wijepala.The Committee paid particular attention to measures taken by the Police to combat cybercrime, illegal online gambling activities and fraud. Officials stated that steps had been taken to block websites associated with illegal gambling and other unlawful activities.It was also revealed that legal action had been taken against foreign nationals residing in Sri Lanka who were engaged in illegal activities related to cybercrime. Officials further stated that arrangements had been made to deport such foreign nationals in coordination with the embassies of the respective countries.Officials appearing before the Committee stated that steps had been taken to recruit software engineers and lawyers to strengthen the human resources required for cybercrime investigations, particularly in terms of technical and legal expertise. They also noted that arrangements were being made to provide newly recruited officers with field training as well as the necessary overseas training.Discussions were also held on the need to introduce new technological systems and establish a centralized system capable of operating in real time in order to make investigations into cybercrime and financial fraud more efficient. It was particularly noted that necessary coordination measures were being undertaken to minimize existing barriers to sharing data with foreign institutions in relation to crimes involving the use of cryptocurrencies.Furthermore, extensive discussions were held on the current status of information received through Community Security Committees, measures to prevent sensitive information received through these committees from being disclosed externally, and further strengthening community policing services.In addition, the Committee emphasized the importance of expediting police investigations to curb illegal activities while upholding the rule of law, making greater use of modern technology, and obtaining further public support.A number of officials, together with Members of the Committee, participated in the Committee meeting.
2026-09-02
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations focused its attention on the “InSA” (Integrated Systematic Approach for the Family Development of Migrant Workers) Project, which is to be implemented to ensure the welfare of families and the protection of children of workers migrating for foreign employment.The matter was discussed at a meeting of the Committee held on the Aug. 21st, under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Attorney-at-Law Lakmali Hemachandra.It was revealed at the meeting that the programme, which is to be implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to commence at the Divisional Secretariat level from October 1, 2026.It was stated that the primary objective of the programme is to develop family development plans focusing on key areas including the long-term financial management of families of migrant workers, child health and protection, employment training, and small business and export development.The Committee particularly emphasized the need to establish a formal plan for the care, protection and education of children when mothers with children between the ages of 2 and 18 migrate overseas, covering the period during which the mothers are abroad. Attention was also drawn to addressing mothers with children below the age of two in accordance with the existing legal and administrative procedures.The programme is expected to obtain the contribution of Child Rights Promotion Officers, who will provide necessary interventions concerning child protection and family welfare at three stages: prior to departure overseas, while the parent is overseas, and following the family's return to Sri Lanka.Accordingly, it was stated that Child Rights Promotion Officers will intervene to ensure that alternative care plans prepared for children can be practically implemented, identify situations involving risks, and prepare special care plans where necessary. Attention will also be given to providing psychosocial support, including strengthening family relationships, to families returning to Sri Lanka after living overseas.Furthermore, “InSA Committees” are to be established at the Divisional Secretariat level. These committees are expected to work under the chairmanship of the Assistant Divisional Secretary, together with Child Rights Promotion Officers, Early Childhood Development Officers and other relevant field officers, it was stated at the Committee meeting.It was also revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been proposed between the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs concerning child protection-related activities.The Committee also emphasized the importance of all workers leaving the country for foreign employment registering with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment. As there may be difficulties in implementing welfare and protection programmes for the families of individuals who travel overseas through informal channels, including on tourist visas, due to the absence of official data on such persons, the Committee stressed the need to maintain a formal data system on workers departing the country for foreign employment.During the implementation of the programme, progress is to be monitored at the district level through District Secretaries. The relevant parties were instructed to submit a report on the progress of the “InSA” Project to the Committee by February 2027.
2026-09-02
The Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Bill was recently considered by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection.The matter was discussed when the Committee met recently in Parliament under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Najith Indika. A group of officials, including Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, were summoned to the meeting.The Bill has been introduced to repeal the Chief of Defence Staff Act, No. 35 of 2009. The Act was enacted in 2009 to carry out functions including the coordination of activities between the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence, in accordance with the requirements of the time.However, considering the current situation in the country, it has been determined that there is no longer a need to maintain a dedicated office or position for the coordination of the three Armed Forces. Accordingly, under the ongoing restructuring process of the three Armed Forces, such coordination is being carried out through the Ministry of Defence.It was also observed that, given the country’s current economic situation, transferring the functions of the office to the Ministry of Defence could reduce the financial burden on the Government.Accordingly, the Sectoral Oversight Committee approved the Bill, which is scheduled to be taken up for debate in Parliament on September 9 for the Second Reading.Several Members of Parliament serving on the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection participated in the meeting.
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