ILO to continue to promote job creation in conflict-hit areas

International Labour Organization (ILO) for Sri Lanka and Maldives, country director Donglin Li reiterated the organization’s commitment to promote job creation in conflict affected areas during his visit to the North.

Li visited Jaffna, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi from September 19 to 21 and met senior government officials and other stakeholders.

He also met with beneficiaries in the Pooneryn region of Kilinochchi district and Nadunkurny division in Vavuniya district, and was impressed by the improvement of the economic situation for beneficiaries of the local economic empowerment through economic Development (LEED) project.

ILO’s LEED project, funded by the Australian government has been instrumental in helping the region to generate more SMEs and develop market ties between the North and South.

It has also linked poor people to value chains in the agriculture and fisheries sector.

At the official opening of the Kilinochchi Chamber of Commerce by the Federation Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Li stressed the importance of improving the employment situation in the North, particularly amongst the female headed households, unemployed youths and the disabled.