July 21, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has unveiled plans to ensure that returning migrant workers can enjoy a dignified life after their service abroad.
He expressed gratitude for their critical contributions of foreign exchange during the recent economic crisis, acknowledging their significant role in the nation’s economic progress.
The President made these remarks at the launch of the “Wigamanika Harasara” initiative, held today (21) at the Sathyawadi Ground in Kurunegala.
This initiative recognises the impact of migrant workers on Sri Lanka’s economy.
To assess the economic contribution of migrant workers, the “Wigamanika Harasara” programme was initiated across the country, starting in the North West Province.
Around 5,000 migrants from the Kurunegala, Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Matale, and Kegalle districts participated in the initiative.
During the event, President Wickremesinghe awarded Rs. 50,000 each to migrant workers as seed capital to support their self-employment ventures, under a welfare programme managed by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).
This initiative aims to empower the migrant community economically and socially, secure their rights, and gather ideas and proposals for policy development.
The President also engaged personally with migrant workers, inquiring about their well-being and participating in friendly conversations.
In his address, President Wickremesinghe elaborated on the government’s support for returning migrant workers, emphasising that this support is a right earned through their dedicated service.
He highlighted the crucial role of migrant workers in stabilising the economy during the crisis, stating that without their contributions, the country would not have been able to overcome the challenges faced.
The President also outlined the government’s plans to boost foreign exchange reserves, enhance formal training for those seeking foreign employment, and shift towards an export-driven economy.
He stressed the importance of increasing paddy production and modernising agriculture to further develop the country.
Other officials, including Manusha Nanayakkara, Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, and Jagath Pushpakumara, State Minister for Labour and Foreign Employment, also spoke at the event. They praised the contributions of migrant workers and highlighted the government’s efforts to support them.
The “Aswesuma” and “Urumaya” programmes have been introduced to ensure that everyone in the country receives their rights.
Additionally, Rs. 50 billion has been allocated to provide essential loans for small and medium-sized businesses as part of the broader effort to foster grassroots development.
The event also saw participation from State Minister Shantha Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment R P A Wimalaweera, and other officials.
