Sri Lankan migrant workers must be taken to other areas beyond the low-paying Middle East Zone, says Dullas Alahapperuma, Minister of Youth Affairs and Skills Development.
He made this observation while addressing a function in Colombo yesterday.
An agreement was signed with the Minster of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities yesterday to provide a national vocational qualification to those engaged in the construction sector.
“When we look at the world's foreign employment policies, we can see that the Middle East is the lowest paying zone. The primary reason is that our workers lack professional qualifications. We hope that in the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, we will be able to gradually conquer the foreign markets that lie beyond the Middle East,” said Dullas Alhapperuma.
“We always hear the slogan, 'Give employment to unemployed graduates'. But we never hear the slogan 'give employment to the younger generation', that didn't make it beyond the advanced level exam," said Wimal Weerawansa, Minster of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities.
"Today a government has been formed which will not only create a future where graduates will be employed, but a government that formulates special programmes especially for the larger segment of youth who were unable to move forward with their education.
"This government will care for them and bring them forward as good citizens in the country,” said Weerawansa.
