January 14, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Chairman Koshala Wickremasinghe has revealed that the country lost access to 10,000 job opportunities in the Israeli agricultural sector due to the actions of unqualified individuals sent under the previous government.
These individuals, who were placed in jobs without meeting the necessary requirements, violated their work agreements by abandoning their posts and seeking alternative employment, resulting in Israeli authorities revoking the job quota.
Wickremasinghe made these remarks in a special media briefing where he discussed the recent introduction of a physical fitness test for Sri Lankan workers hoping to secure agricultural positions in Israel.
He outlined the challenges Sri Lanka faced due to political interference in the past, where unfit workers were pushed into jobs without due process.
“For two years, approximately 5,000 people have been waiting for employment in Israel, after being promised jobs by politicians who also took money from them. These individuals were often brought to the Bureau in buses and vehicles, under pressure from political figures, without following proper procedures,” Wickremasinghe explained.
He stressed that such practices undermined the integrity of Sri Lanka’s job market, leading to the loss of employment opportunities abroad.
In response to this, the current administration has implemented necessary reforms to rectify the situation and ensure that only qualified and fit individuals are sent abroad for work.
Historically, Israel had granted Sri Lanka a job quota of around 10,000 agricultural positions.
However, only 2,000 workers were successfully dispatched to Israel. Unfortunately, many of these workers were not physically prepared for the demanding nature of agricultural work and vacated their positions without notice, prompting Israel to cancel the job quota altogether.
“Following extensive discussions with Israeli authorities, they have indicated a willingness to reconsider the job quota, provided that only physically fit and qualified workers are sent. In collaboration with the Sri Lankan Army and health authorities, we have developed a health and fitness programme that meets Israel’s stringent requirements. Over the past month and a half, we have made efforts to ensure potential workers understand and meet these health criteria,” said Wickremasinghe.
The SLBFE Chairman highlighted that many individuals had already invested money and effort to qualify for these positions, despite facing considerable hardships.
To ensure these workers are fit for the job, the Bureau introduced a series of medical and physical tests, including ECG screenings and a two-kilometre run that must be completed within 10 to 12 minutes.
Wickremasinghe addressed concerns raised by some job aspirants who found the physical examination too challenging, as well as the media’s portrayal of these complaints.
“Whilst some individuals have voiced their discontent with the physical fitness requirements, it is crucial to understand that Israel expects a certain level of strength and endurance from agricultural workers. Without meeting these standards, there is a real risk that Israel will once again cancel the job quota,” he warned.
The SLBFE Chairman reiterated the importance of sending only properly qualified and fit workers to Israel, stressing that doing so would not only restore the agricultural job opportunities but also pave the way for more Sri Lankans to secure similar positions in the future.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that the right people are sent for these jobs, and through these physical fitness activities, we hope to regain these vital employment opportunities for our citizens,” Wickremasinghe concluded.
