ILO, Japan partner to enhance economic wellbeing of returnee and aspirant Sri Lankan migrant workers

Friday, 23 December 2022 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In response to strengthening the socio-economic resilience of the returning migrant workers, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has identified the maritime sector as having the potential to generate ample employment opportunities for the returnees and aspirant migrant workers.

The Mahapola Port and Maritime Academy, supported by the ILO, Government of Japan, with the facilitation of the National Union of Seafarers of Sri Lanka (NUSS), has successfully conducted the graduation ceremony for the 22 trainees who completed the Training Course on Maritime and Seamanship on 20 December.

This training course provided systematic and organised training to assist trainees in acquiring the skills and knowledge required to assist deck officers on a daily basis. The training covered all routine operational activities, such as hands on experience to operate deck-rated machinery and equipment and to assist the deck officer on watch, and watch-keeping duties.

Attending the certificate award ceremony, Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki said: “I am pleased to see that Japan’s assistance can be of help to the migrant returnees to obtain actual employment and skill-up opportunities. Through the project, the Government of Japan aims to strengthen the returnees’ practical skills and encourage their entrepreneurship.”

ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Simrin Singh applauded both the idea and the energy put together by the Port Authority, Mahapola training centre and National Union of Seafarers who joined hands to deliver a training package that will result in the creation of much needed jobs and also improve the lives of the vulnerable. She congratulated the first batch of graduates who have successfully completed their learning and reinforced the ILO’s longstanding commitment to create more decent employment for Sri Lankans.

This initiative has been initiated through the ILO’s ‘Socioeconomic Reintegration of Sri Lankan Migrant Workers Project’ with the support of the people of Japan.