Colombo (LNW): Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara highlighted the government’s commitment to enacting new legislation to replace outdated ones and achieve the systematic changes demanded by the public, during a briefing at the President’s Media Centre yesterday (25).

He also underscored the government’s intent to implement enduring policies that withstand changes in administration.

This commitment was showcased as the foreign employment policy for the upcoming five years was unveiled yesterday.

Full statement:

“We are taking various measures to recover from the economic crisis that the country has faced. This period can be considered a time when the most laws, both new and existing, were passed in history.

Citizens have taken to the streets, protesting that the country requires a ‘System Change.’ In order to enact this change, the government is diligently working to replace outdated laws and regulations with those more suitable for the present.

Furthermore, the government is currently formulating stable policies that will remain unchanged with shifts in government. Today, the five-year foreign employment policy, prepared accordingly, was officially announced. It’s worth mentioning that the government intends to develop such policies for all sectors.

Other international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, and other countries, have expressed their willingness to assist in rebuilding our economy, but they require financial discipline in the country. Therefore, a program for financial discipline in the country will be implemented in the near future.

The President is also actively working to establish various committees, including the Committee on Discipline of Members of Parliament. The bill addressing the discipline of members of parliament has been presented to the cabinet. This bill was prepared by a committee led by former Speaker Mr. Karu Jayasuriya, with a focus on the British Parliament’s standards.

Additionally, it’s a significant achievement to have finally passed the anti-corruption bill, which has been discussed for two decades. A report has been compiled after analysing public administration, with the aim of conducting public capital administration without corruption.

A commission, led by former Chief Justice Priyasad Dep, will be appointed to investigate the financial practices of political parties. The committee will examine how political parties should operate. In the future, the public will have the opportunity to submit their suggestions and recommendations to the committee.

Efforts have also been made to establish a budget office within the Parliament. Committees have been appointed to oversee economic stability, as well as methods and procedures.

Effective human resource management is vital for the country; therefore, we are working on amending the Labor Act, anticipating significant changes in the labor sector.

Additionally, we have devised numerous programs to provide assistance to our citizens working abroad and enhance their professional security.”

The Labour and Foreign Employment Ministry has affirmed the transparency and success of its initiative aimed at encouraging Sri Lankans living abroad to send remittances through banks while introducing import licenses for electric vehicles. This endeavor has effectively contributed to increasing the country’s remittance earnings.

Official data from the Ministry reveals that, within the first nine months of this year, Sri Lanka received a substantial sum of US$ 4.3 billion in foreign remittances, marking a remarkable 75% surge compared to the previous year.

Thus far, the Ministry has issued 318 electric vehicle import licenses to Sri Lankans who have sent remittances through legitimate channels, resulting in US$ 38 million for vehicle imports. It is important to note that the vehicle import licenses issued under this scheme are not exempt from import duties. This initiative aligns with a Cabinet decision aimed at motivating Sri Lankans abroad to channel their remittances legally, with all imported vehicles being required to pay the full customs duty and other taxes as stipulated by the Customs Department, thereby contributing to the state’s revenue.

The Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment has extended an invitation to all institutions and associations involved in the vehicle import business, including the Vehicle Importers’ Association, to join this program from its inception.

However, the Ministry expresses regret over the interference of Parliament and its committees in business matters concerning vehicle importers and firmly condemns the use of parliamentary platforms for such purposes. The Ministry urges individuals who present false information for media attention without verifying the facts to understand that such actions may hinder the steps taken to rejuvenate the country’s economy.

The Ministry emphasizes that its efforts to increase remittance earnings will persist, and narrow political agendas will not derail these initiatives. Furthermore, the Ministry is committed to supporting thorough investigations to ensure the transparency and integrity of this endeavor.

According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Rupee has experienced a minor depreciation against the US Dollar on October 25 compared to Tuesday’s rates.

The buying rate of the US Dollar has risen from Rs. 320.32 to Rs. 321.70, and the selling rate has increased from Rs. 331.00 to Rs. 332.56.

Furthermore, the Sri Lankan Rupee has also demonstrated depreciation against a basket of foreign currencies, including Gulf currencies.

Three newly appointed ambassadors to Sri Lanka handed over their credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (24).

New ambassadors have been appointed for Switzerland, European Union and Iran.

Accordingly, HE Dr (Ms) Siri Walf the Ambassador of Switzerland in Colombo, HE Ms. Carmen Moreno the Ambassador of the European Union in Colombo and HE Dr. Alireza Delkhosh the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Colombo presented their credentials to President Wickremesinghe.

Tharaka Balasuriya, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Secretary to the President Mr. Saman Ekanayake were present on this occasion.