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by Ananda Kannangara

The Labour Department on the directive of Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe has implemented a series of productivity programs for the benefit of around 400,000 private sector employees in the country. Some of these programs will also benefit nearly 930,000 Sri Lankan migrant workers employed overseas.

As the initial step of this program, four labour offices were opened last week in the Matara, Kalutara, Kegalle and Nuwara-Eliya Districts for the benefit of people who usually visit the Labour Department Head Office at Narahenpita and EPF division at Kollupitiya to get their official work done.

Meanwhile, officials have also decided to keep the Kollupitya EPF branch open on Saturdays for the convenience of a large number of persons who come from distant areas.

Commenting on this program, Minister Samarasinghe said that not only during the 100 days but even after the deadline expires the development programs already launched will be continued, so that the economy will be developed in the future.

The Minister said that arrangements will also be made to conduct monthly meetings with employers and trade union officials to discuss labour related matters. So that no problems will occur at workplaces in the future, he said.

The Department has also focused special attention to create more local employment not only by establishing more industries but also by conducting job markets all over the country.

Under this job market concept, the first program will commence in the Kalutara District on February 23. The organisers have decided to provide at least 1,000 on the spot local and foreign jobs.

The Department has also started a program to strengthen the existing labour laws for the sake of women in the country as the Department is of the view that current laws implemented for women workers are not adequate.

"Constructing middle class houses for labourers (Kamkaru Nivasa) is also another concept and the Department has already started this programme with the intention of building at least 10,000 homes in every District, especially in estate areas for needy persons", the Minister said.

The Department has also planned to obtain the services of all intellectuals to develop the country. Under this program, the services of doctors, engineers and architects will be obtained.

Meanwhile, the Department has also decided to increase medical, insurance and other welfare facilities of workers seeking foreign employment.

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