Switzerland handovers Safe Labour Migration Programme

“Switzerland will continue to stand with Sri Lanka also in the future” said Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and Maldives. She expressed these views at the hand-over of the Safe Labour Migration Programme (SLMP) at a ceremony in Colombo yesterday.

The event was organized by the Embassy of Switzerland, the Government of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO). This landmark initiative to enhance safe and regular labour migration in Sri Lanka has reached a successful conclusion after 14 years.

“The Safe Labour Migration Programme shows us that with long term bi-lateral cooperation based on real partnership on mutual understanding and trust, we can achieve tremendous results. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation has spent Swiss Franc 16 million in the last 14 years for this purpose”

“The time has now come to handover the Safe Labour Migration Programme to Sri Lanka. So that is a wonderful journey that can continue. Switzerland will continue to stand with Sri Lanka also in the future. We are looking forward to discussing our change priorities with the new government and all our partners and to explore new ways of collaboration.

The SLMP, launched in 2010, was funded entirely by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), with an investment of Swiss Franc 16.65 million. The programme, executed by the ILO, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, the International Executive Service Corps (IESC), and various civil society organizations, played a pivotal role in reshaping the country’s labour migration policies and systems.

The programme’s hand-over to the Sri Lankan Government underscores its sustainability, ensuring continued progress under the National Policy and Action Plan on Migration for Employment 2023-2027.

At the ceremony, the Swiss Embassy and the ILO commended the Government of Sri Lanka, trade unions, civil society, and employers’ associations for their unwavering commitment to the initiative.

They emphasized the transformative impact of collective action in fostering safe migration practices and improving the lives of migrant workers.

The SLMP serves as a testament to the power of multi-stakeholder partnerships in driving meaningful, sustainable change, leaving a legacy of improved welfare and empowerment for Sri Lanka’s migrant communities.

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