Aug 28, Colombo: The government of Japan in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) is planning to launch a new labour skill development programme for Sri Lankans seeking foreign employment, the government of Sri Lanka announced.

A preliminary discussion between a high level delegation from the Japanese Industrial Training Corporation (JITCO) and the Minister of Foreign Employment and Welfare, Keheliya Rambukwella was held yesterday to make arrangements to launch the program.

According to the Sri Lanka Bureau for Foreign Employment, Japan is expected to grant training opportunities for 1,000 Lankans every year, mainly in the mechanical and construction fields. Earlier Japan has agreed to provide opportunities for only 500. As a result of discussions between the Minister and the Japanese government officials in April 2008 the limit has been extended to 1,000.

SLBFE will organize, administrate and monitor the training program. The training is for a period of three years. Only licensed agencies are allowed to recruit the candidates for the program according to the guidelines given by the SLBFE. The trainees will be given a training of Japanese language and lifestyle.