Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever foreign remittance inflow during the government's first year in office, with overseas workers sending home US$8 billion, while US$4.75 billion was received in the first six months of 2026 alone, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath told Parliament today.
Presenting the government's plans for the foreign employment sector, the Minister said the remittance inflows have played a key role in supporting the country's economic recovery and stressed that the government has a legal and moral responsibility to protect the rights and welfare of Sri Lankan migrant workers.
He announced that a new Foreign Employment Bill would be fast-tracked through Parliament to address long-standing legal shortcomings in the sector.
The proposed legislation will also pave the way for measures to grant voting rights to overseas Sri Lankans and introduce a contributory pension scheme for migrant workers, he said.
The Minister also announced the launch of the Lanka Konnect website and mobile application, enabling Sri Lankans working abroad to lodge complaints and seek assistance directly from the government.
As part of enhanced welfare measures, compensation paid to the families of Sri Lankans who die while employed overseas has been increased from Rs. 600,000 to Rs. 2 million.
Addressing illegal recruitment and human trafficking, Herath said the government had intensified action against fraudulent job agencies through a Special Investigation Unit supported by Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers.
He also said the government plans to establish a vocational training centre in the Northern Province to prepare young people for overseas employment opportunities.
The Minister highlighted new labour agreements with Japan, which have opened employment opportunities for Sri Lankan truck drivers, construction workers and university graduates, while issues relating to the recognition of Italian general driving licences have also been resolved.
On employment opportunities in Israel, Herath said private recruitment agencies would only be permitted to charge a maximum fee equivalent to two months' basic salary, warning the public against illegal operators demanding between Rs. 4 million and Rs. 4.5 million for job placements.
He said the government would continue to strengthen legal migration pathways while taking firm action against those exploiting prospective migrant workers.
