Lanka-Korea discuss more job opportunities for youth

MINISTER of Labour and Human Resources of the Republic of Korea Kim Dae Hwan stated that, although there are about five countries which send youth for employment in South Korea, Sri Lanka is at the forefront as the only country sending hard working systematically trained youth with a training on the code of ethics as well.

The Korean Minister of Labour stated this taking part at a special discussion held at the Ministry of Labour Relations and Foreign Employment on an invitation made by Minister Athauda Seneviratne.

Speaking at this discussion Minister Athauda Seneviratne said that under this Korean Employment problem more that 4000 youth have gone to Korea so far and requested the Korean Minister to expedite the provision of employment to about 9500 youths registered under this programme.

The Korean Minister of Labour said that he will discuss with the Business Association of Korea and make the necessary arrangements to get them down to Korea as soon as possible for employment.

Minister Seneviratne further said that some youths working in certain sectors found it difficult to work in these sectors and had returned to Sri Lanka.

He requested the Korean Minister to give an opportunity for such youth to work in some other sector as an alternative and it was agreed to be looked in to.

The Korean Minister said that Korea needs youth who work efficiently.

Minister Seneviratne said that the Sri Lanka government was against illegal immigrations and requested the Korean Minister of Labour to provide more employment opportunities for Sri Lankan youth under the Korean-Sri Lankan Employment Agreement, because they have a liking for employment in Korea.

The Korean Minister of Labour stated that Sri Lankans were skilled and hard working and therefore he would discuss the matter with the Korean government and take necessary measures to provide more jobs for Sri Lankans.

He added that Korea will provide technical assistance to establish the Labour study institutes proposed by our Ministry of Labour and the Korean government and will introduce the Korean Industrial Relations system to Sri Lanka as well since industrial Relations are quite important to a developing country such as Sri Lanka.

The Korean Minister said that his government will prepare a programme to encourage Sri Lankans regarding industrial relations.

Mahinda Madihahewa, Secretary, Ministry of Labour Relations and Foreign Employment, Mrs. Padmini Rathnayake, Additional Secretary Ministry of Labour Relations and Foreign Employment and Jagath Wallawatta, Chairman, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment participated on this occasion.