Dr Sarath Obeysekera

British estate worker migration took place with very little control, although in the long run it benefited Sri Lanka. Today, our tea industry survives largely because of workers of South Indian origin.

Now the Government is planning to allow inbound foreign labour migration. But under what categories will these workers be permitted?

We have already allowed hundreds of Chinese and Vietnamese nationals into Sri Lanka, many reportedly employed as hotel and restaurant workers, while Indian workers are engaged in rice mills and shipbuilding activities.

At the same time, many European countries are now facing the consequences of uncontrolled migration and are taking the brunt of the social and economic pressures created by it.

https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Govt-to-introduce-inbound-labour-migration-policy-amid-rising-demand-for-foreign-workers/44-792222

Personal experience has also raised concerns for me. A neighbour had rented out a large house to about six or seven young Chinese men and women who appeared educated and professionally trained. One day I noticed large quantities of food waste and garbage being dumped onto my land. After informing the police, I learned that they stayed indoors most of the day cooking and working online during the night, apparently engaged in cyber-related activities.

Communication itself reflected how rapidly technology is changing. When I attempted to speak in English, one of them used a mobile phone application that instantly translated our conversation into Chinese. While technology itself is not the issue, such experiences raise legitimate questions about monitoring, registration and the nature of activities being carried out by some foreign residents.

Similarly, allowing uncontrolled foreign labour migration could create long-term social, economic and security challenges. There are reports that some large-scale businesses and rice mill owners are employing significant numbers of foreign workers for labour-intensive work that many local workers are unwilling to undertake.

At the same time, Sri Lanka must also address its own labour culture and productivity issues. Thousands of able-bodied young people remain trapped in low-income informal activities with limited skills development. The country should seriously consider vocational training, disciplined national service programmes, agricultural and industrial apprenticeships, and structured employment initiatives to channel youth into productive sectors that support national development 

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera