Sri Lanka to reduce Indian skilled workers

Labour Minister Gamini Lokuge said that a number of skilled workers in Sri Lanka will be replaced with nationals according to the new policy decision taken by the government.

This move will include a reduction of Indian workers in existing projects, the Sunday Times’ reported.

The limitations will be extended to future projects in the public and private sectors as well, he said.

Referring particularly to the Colombo Dockyard, the minister pointed out that, some 800 Indian skilled workers were employed there.

He said that more than 1,500 Indians were employed in the other sectors including the manufacturing industry and the Board of Investment (BOI). They will be directed to enforce restrictions on the number of Indians recruited for projects approved by them.

“Our policy is to encourage Sri Lankans to be trained for the jobs (which are currently) being done by foreigners,” Mr. Lokuge said denying that new policy is connected to the strained relationship with India, and especially the crisis in Tamil Nadu.

President of the All Ceylon Harbour and Dock Workers’ Union, Minister Dinesh Gunawardene told the ‘Sunday Times’ that the move to discourage foreign workers would provide more jobs to Sri Lankans.

Meanwhile, issuing of a visa to Sri Lanka’s new Deputy High Commissioner to Chennai is continuously delayed by India since last December. The Indian High Commission has declined to comment on the issue.
 

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