Skills of Lankans must be utilized - Minister

Suraj A Bandara

A Korean Employees' Federation should be established to safeguard the interests of Sri Lankan employees in South Korea and to utilize their experience and knowledge in the interest of the Sri Lankan economy, Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Minister Dilan Perera said.

The minister was addressing the inaugural meeting of the Association of Korean job employees who returned to Sri Lanka.

He further said if any organization initiates such an idea, the Ministry will extend its fullest cooperation to it. Nearly 9,400 Sri Lankan youths who got through the Korean Language Proficiency test will be selected for jobs in Korea. The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment was able to issue nearly 51,000 applications for the Test of Proficiency in Korean Language (EPS-TOPIK).

A well-organized programme is essential to utilize the skills of those returning from Korea. The minister promised to support any organization dedicated to utilize their skills.

Minister Perera said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Minister of Labour paved the way for more job opportunities for Sri Lankans in Korea.

From then onwards, the annual number of job opportunities available in Korea have increased and has doubled today, he further added.

South Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Choi Jun Mun said the majority of Sri Lankan foreign job seekers have found jobs in Korea. Therefore, it is an appreciable move to set up an association to represent Sri Lankan employees in South Korea, he said.