SL Ambassador discusses employment opportunities for skilled Lankans in Bahrain

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Bahrain, Dr. A.P. Saj U. Mendis, met with the Minister of Works, Municipalities, Urban Planning and Development and Agricultural Affairs, Essam bin Abdulla Khalaf, recently in order to discuss significant and seminal developments concerning his portfolios in the province in order to secure more skilled employment opportunities for Sri Lankans. 

Khalaf is one of the country’s senior Ministers. The Ministry of Works, Municipalities, Urban Planning and Development and Agriculture Affairs is one of the most critical ministries not only due to the number of portfolios it encompasses but also because it helps ensure the smooth and efficacious functioning of the country. Further, his Ministry makes a direct impact on the socioeconomic and commercial advancement of the country.

The Minister stated that a number of Sri Lankan nationals were employed in his Ministry, holding positions of influence, importance and seniority. He added that many Sri Lankan engineers, IT professionals, quantity surveyors, technical officers and accountants were employed in the Ministry and were liked by other colleagues, both from Bahrain and other countries. The Minister stated that Sri Lankan skilled professionals were admired because of their commitment, integrity and competence. Both the Minister and the Ambassador agreed that for economic advancement, foreign direct investments and institutional investments, it was vital to have highly conducive and competitive infrastructure in the country. The Minister told Dr. Mendis that his ministry wished to take the initiative to recruit more qualified and skilled Sri Lankans to work in Bahrain. In this context, Dr. Mendis suggested that he would coordinate with the Ministry of Labour in Bahrain and the Ministry of Foreign Employment in Sri Lanka.  Ambassador Mendis also said that the Chief of the Labour Authority of Bahrain visited Sri Lanka in May of this year in order to secure the employment of semi-skilled, skilled and highly-skilled Sri Lankans. 

The Minister was appreciative of the contribution extended by Sri Lankans to the development and expansion of Bahrain and asserted that Sri Lanka today was on a upward economic trajectory due to its peace and stability which unfortunately was not witnessed in many other parts of the world.