Sri Lanka and Indonesia have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the labour sector, with particular emphasis on labour protection, social security, migrant worker rights and addressing challenges linked to irregular migration.
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando held bilateral discussions with Indonesian Minister of Manpower Prof. Yassierli at the Ministry of Manpower in Jakarta during his official visit to Indonesia. The two Ministers exchanged views on the strengths and challenges facing the labour forces and working conditions in both countries, as well as their respective labour protection and social security systems.
They also emphasized the importance of sharing experiences, knowledge and best practices, while agreeing on the need to establish an institutional framework for closer cooperation between relevant institutions in Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The proposed framework is expected to strengthen institutional connectivity and people-to-people relations between the two countries while creating a stronger foundation for continued collaboration in areas of mutual interest in the labour sector. The discussions also focused on the growing importance of labour mobility between Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Both sides stressed the need for a coordinated mechanism to address human trafficking, human smuggling and violations of migration laws while safeguarding the rights and welfare of migrant workers.
The meeting was attended by Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Indonesia and ASEAN Sashikala Premawardhane and Controller General of Imports and Exports of Sri Lanka T. T. Upulmalee Premathilaka. (DSA)
Image Caption : Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando with Indonesian Minister of Manpower Prof. Yassierli
Source : Daily News
