'Int'l migration outlook' - Sri Lanka 2008

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) together with the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) launched the first edition of the 'International Migration Outlook - Sri Lanka 2008.'

The report, which is based on a study conducted by IPS, and commissioned by IOM, outlines a comprehensive analysis of the trends, patterns and changes in migration from Sri Lanka in recent years. The report also addresses a long-standing need of streamlining Sri Lanka's international migration data for better planning and decision-making in migration management activities in the country.

During the past decade, the numbers of migrants from Sri Lanka - be it for economic, educational, social or political reasons - have increased. So has the importance of challenges brought about by international migration including social change, cultural adaptation, threats to national security and identity and resource allocation.

'Migration must be managed to maximise its benefits and it is the formulation of effective migration management policies that will help determine this,' says Mohammed Abdiker, IOM Sri Lanka's Chief of Mission. 'This being the arena we hope, the statistical information and the analyses of key migration issues in this report will become useful,' adds Abdiker.

'Accurate data on migration are vital to formulate policies related to migration and also for mainstreaming migration to the overall national policies.

The information and analysis in this report will certainly assist to sharpen the National Labour Migration Policy of Sri Lanka initiated in late 2008', says Saman Kelegama, Executive Director of the IPS.

The report begins with the institutional framework for migration in Sri Lanka and describes the different types of migration including labour, student, irregular and tourism purposes along with key indicators, facts and figures. The final chapter considers a 'way forward' for addressing migration management in Sri Lanka.

'This report recognizes the importance of migration and although it does not provide a complete migration picture in Sri Lanka, it is a progressive step in the right direction for collection and dissemination of migration data which will help inform policies,' says Shantha Kulasekera, IOM Sri Lanka's Head of Migration Management.