Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, who is currently on an official visit to Indonesia, held a bilateral meeting with the Indonesian Minister of Manpower, Prof. Yassierli, at the Ministry of Manpower in Jakarta.
Minister Yassierli warmly welcomed Minister Fernando and his delegation. The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on matters of mutual interest and to further strengthen the longstanding and friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the strengths and challenges relating to the labour forces and working conditions in Sri Lanka and Indonesia, as well as the respective labour protection and social security systems of the two countries. The importance of sharing experiences, knowledge and best practices in these areas was also emphasized.
Particular attention was given to further strengthening bilateral cooperation in the labour sector. Both sides agreed on the importance of establishing an institutional framework for cooperation, which would facilitate closer engagement between relevant institutions in the two countries and provide a stronger foundation for continued collaboration.
The proposed framework is expected to strengthen connectivity between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, enhance people-to-people relations and promote greater cooperation in areas of mutual interest in the labour sector.
In view of the growing importance of labour mobility between the two countries, both sides also emphasized the need for closer cooperation and a coordinated mechanism to address challenges relating to human trafficking, human smuggling and violations of migration laws, while ensuring the protection and rights of migrant workers.
The meeting was also attended by Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Indonesia and ASEAN Sashikala Premawardhane and Controller General of Imports and Exports of Sri Lanka, Ms. T. T. Upulmalee Premathilaka.
