In conflict affected areas :

ILO will continue to promote job creation

The Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Donglin Li, reiterated the organization’s commitment to promote job creation in conflict affected areas during his recent visit to the North. Li visited Jaffna, Vavuniya and Killinochchi from September 19-21 and met senior government officials as well as other stakeholders.

He also met beneficiaries in the Pooneryn region of Killinochchi 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 the South. It has also linked poor people to value chains in the agriculture and fisheries sector.

At the official opening of the Killinochchi 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 among the female headed households, unemployed youth and the disabled.

Pointing out that employment is key to poverty reduction, the ILO Director encouraged businesses to assist in improving the economic situation and develop the microfinance and SME sector, thus creating more job opportunities.

The ILO promotes decent work in the country through its programmes and projects, with employment generation being one of the core strategic priority areas.