The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, will lead a Sri Lankan delegation to Israel to discuss employment opportunities for Sri Lankans across the country and to strengthen ties between the countries in the sector.
The Sri Lankan delegation will be in Israel between December 21 and 25. Authorities expect the engagement to enhance worker placement mechanisms and improve standards for Sri Lankan workers employed in Israel. Discussions will also address operational challenges and identify future cooperation opportunities in the sector.
In addition to official meetings, the Deputy Minister is scheduled to meet Sri Lankan nationals residing in Israel.
Earlier this year, the Sri Lankan government expanded its labour migration programme with Israel, deploying thousands of Sri Lankan workers to replace Palestinian labourers who have been blocked from employment.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sri Lankan and Israeli governments, 6,092 Sri Lankan workers have secured employment in Israel’s construction sector, with 1,018 already departing in 2025 by March.
In March 2024, Sri Lanka even opened a new consulate in Haifa, one of Israel’s major trade and industrial hubs, further cementing diplomatic and economic ties. A week later, Sri Lankan and Israeli officials discussed new trade opportunities in the gem, jewellery, cinnamon, and agricultural sectors.
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