Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised concerns over what he described as the ineffective operation of Sri Lanka’s government-to-government (G2G) employment programme for Sri Lankan workers seeking jobs in Israel.
Speaking on the issue, Premadasa said the state-run programme has become largely ineffective, leaving many young Sri Lankans uncertain about their prospects of securing employment in Israel.
He claimed that the situation has pushed a large number of job seekers towards private recruitment agencies, which can impose costs of between Rs. 3.5 million and Rs. 4.5 million on applicants.
Premadasa contrasted Sri Lanka’s system with India’s government-to-government approach to overseas employment, arguing that Sri Lanka should strengthen its official recruitment mechanism rather than rely heavily on private agencies.
According to the Opposition Leader, around 92% of Sri Lankan workers currently travelling for employment in Israel are being recruited through private channels. He said the high costs involved are placing severe financial pressure on families seeking overseas employment opportunities.
He also raised concerns over approximately 3,742 applicants who have reportedly completed required procedures, including police clearance and medical examinations, but have yet to travel due to delays and inefficiencies within the relevant government and ministerial systems.
Premadasa said the delays are not only affecting the employment prospects of young Sri Lankans but are also depriving their families of expected income from overseas employment.
He called for the government to address the shortcomings in the G2G programme and ensure that eligible Sri Lankan workers can access overseas employment through a transparent and affordable state-supported mechanism.
