The Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka Woonjin Jeong assured the Foreign Minister that the
facilities required for the Sri Lankan youth who are eligible for employment in Korea to travel to
Korea will be provided shortly. He was speaking at a discussion on the delays faced by young
people who are eligible for jobs in Korea, chaired by the Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena
at the Foreign Ministry on 16 June, 2021. State Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and
Market Diversification Priyankara Jayaratne, Secretary to the State Minister of Foreign
Employment Promotion and Market Diversification Suntharam Arumainayaham, Chairman
Kamal Ratwatte, Director Nimal Thibbatumunuwa and Deputy General Manager Mangala
Randeniya of the Foreign Employment Bureau were also participated in the discussion.
The Foreign Minister pointed out that those who have qualified for jobs in Korea have been
expecting to leave for jobs in Korea for a long time; however it has been avoided day by day due
to the COVID pandemic. The Minister also pointed out that they are under severe mental stress
due to this.
The Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka explained the position of the Korean Government and stated
that it has been planned to provide employment opportunities in Korea to all those who are eligible
for employment in Korea. He said there is a delay in providing those opportunities due to the
COVID pandemic; however assured that he is focussed on sending them to Korea at the earliest
available opportunity.
He also stated that the Korean government is planning to assist in the development of the
agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. The discussions also focused on several matters including increase
of employment opportunities for Sri Lankan youth in Korea and enhancing economic cooperation
between the two countries.
Foreign Ministry
Colombo
17 June, 2021
