ILO promotes job creation

Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Donglin Li, reiterated the organisation's commitment to promote job creation in conflict affected areas. He was speaking during his recent visit to the North. Li visited Jaffna, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi recently and met senior government officials and other stakeholders. He also met beneficiaries in the Pooneryn region of the Kilinochchi district and Nadunkurny division in the Vavuniya district, and was impressed with the improvement of the economic situation of beneficiaries of the Local Economic Empowerment through Economic Development (LEED) project.

ILO's LEED project, funded by the Government of Australia, has been helping the region to generate more SMEs and develop market ties between the north and south. It has also linked poor people to value chains in the agriculture and fisheries sector.

At the opening of the Kilinochchi Chamber of Commerce by the Federation Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Li stressed the importance of improving employment in the North, particularly among female headed households, unemployed youth and the disabled.

He said that employment is key to poverty reduction.

The ILO Director encouraged businesses to assist in improving the economic situation and develop the microfinance and SME sector, thus creating more job opportunities.

The ILO promotes Decent Work in the country through its programs and projects, with employment generation being one of the priorities.