Japan supports repatriated Sri Lankan workers together with IOM and ILO

Japan contributed Rs. 340 million (187 million Japanese Yen)  for supporting the socioeconomic reintegration of repatriated Sri Lankan migrant workers affected by the Covid-19 outbreak, Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka said.

The Exchange of Notes were signed between His Excellency Mr. SUGIYAMA Akira, Ambassador of Japan, and Mr. Sarat Dash, Chief of Mission, IOM Sri Lanka on 10 March 2021 at the Ambassador’s Residence in Colombo. Hon. Mr. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Labour, was also present at the ceremony.

Ambassador SUGIYAMA stated, “As a long-standing cordial partner, Japan is determined to cooperate with Sri Lanka to overcome challenges posed by Covid-19 global pandemic. Japan hopes that this assistance, which symbolizes our mutual solidarity in the joint combat against Covid-19, contributes greatly to socioeconomic recovery of both repatriated migrant workers and their returned community members, thereby facilitating harmony in the country. It is our great honor to take forward this timely initiative together with IOM and ILO, which also contributes to empowering female returnees.”

In addition to this assistance, Japan has provided a total sum of $9.6 million (over. Rs. 1880 million) to help Sri Lanka’s fight against Covid-19. As a partner country of Sri Lanka to advance the G7 Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Partnerships Initiative, Japan also has supported Sri Lanka toward gender equality and women empowerment for sustainable peace. This project is a part of the initiatives to further its commitments.