Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara, announced that Sri Lankan migrant workers’ foreign remittances experienced a surge to US$ 568.3 million in March 2023, marking a substantial increase from the US$ 318.4 million reported in March 2022.
The surge is a 78.5% (US$ 249.9 million) increase from the inflows recorded in March 2022. In addition, the foreign remittances reported in March 2023 also rose from the inflows recorded in February 2023, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, which reported workers’ remittances at USD 407 million in February 2023.
During February 2023, 23,974 departures for foreign employment were recorded, including unskilled (7,662), domestic aid (6,939), and skilled (6,582) categories.
In other news, the Sri Lankan government has planned to introduce new initiatives aimed at providing better employment opportunities and conditions for migrant workers.
Minister Manusha Nanayakkara stated that the government intends to enhance the economic and living standards of Sri Lankan migrant workers, especially those working in the Middle East. The government is working on improving existing bilateral agreements with foreign countries, increasing the number of sectors open to migrant workers, and providing more training and support services for those seeking overseas employment. These measures are expected to not only benefit the Sri Lankan migrant workers but also contribute to the country’s economic growth through increased remittances.
