Over 100,000 jobs for Sri Lankans in Libya

Ananda KANNANGARA

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign employment (SLBFE) yesterday assured that the 100,000 employment program for Sri Lankan workers in Libya will be expedited shortly in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry and prospective job agents and labour officials in Libya.

SLBFE, Chairman Kingsly Ranawaka told the `Sunday Observer' that this employment program will be launched after establishing the proposed Sri Lankan Embassy in Tripoli shortly.

The Libyan Government on Wednesday assured President Mahinda Rajapaksa who was on an official visit to the country that 100,000 jobs including professionals such as doctors and para-medical personnel would be provided for Sri Lankans within the next few months.

Jobs in the construction industry and tourism are also available in in addition to a substantial number in the Information Technology sector. The Libyan job program for Lankan workers was announced by the Libyan Head of State Colonel Muammar Gaddafi during his talks with the President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday.

It was also reported that in 2008 Sri Lanka had signed an MoU with Libya on the provision of employment according which Sri Lanka had agreed to conduct vocational training for Libyans in Sri Lanka.

The Bureau Chairman also said that Libya would provide employment for around 2000 doctors and para-medical staff initially.

"We have already been informed that a Libyan delegation will arrive in the country shortly to discuss and implement this employment program and while a Lankan delegation along with SLBFE officials are also expected to visit Libya to expedite the program.