Sri Lanka, Switzerland experts meet to discuss migration issues

The second Experts Meeting on the Migration Partnership between Sri Lanka and Switzerland was held on 16 May at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka Director General – Europe and North America Shobini Gunasekera and Director of International Affairs, State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) of Switzerland Ambassador Vincenzo Mascioli.

The meeting reviewed the progress made under the Migration Partnership since its launch in 2016 and discussed the priorities and challenges for the future. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation on migration issues. They also exchanged views on current migration trends, developments, and avenues for promoting employment opportunities in Switzerland for skilled workers from Sri Lanka. Both sides agreed to explore possible future cooperation in the hospitality sector, especially sustainable tourism and also in the fields of vocational training, skills development and sustainable reintegration.

The Swiss delegation extended their appreciation towards Sri Lanka for its excellent cooperation in matters related to migration. Senior officials of relevant line ministries and government agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Tourism and Lands, Ministry of Urban Development, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, Vocational Training Authority, Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management participated in the discussion.