National strategy formulated to respond to technological advancements and other productive market demands for population at large Sri Lankan workforce have more and better employment opportunities

This intervention focuses on skilling Sri Lankan migrant workers for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in their country of origin, in the context of COVID-19 responses. The ILO supports recognition of prior learning through assessment and documentation of skills through the ‘Skills Passport’ programme and offers apprenticeship-based training for returnee, blocked and aspirant migrant workers, especially women migrant workers. Migrant workers interested in starting a business are offered entrepreneurial skills development and access to affordable credit and financial services. Through access to data and skills profiles of returnees, employers’ organizations are supported in their partnership with government in skills matching and anticipating future needs. Trade unions are capacitated to expand their membership services, including representation of workers in skills development and employment services at sub-national and national levels. Target beneficiaries are the government skills and training institutions, the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Manpower and Employment, the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, and workers’ organisations. The expected end results of the intervention include: (1) the development of work-based and quality apprenticeships; (2) innovative and inclusive skills programmes and services; (3) measurement of skills mismatches and future skills needs; and (4) sustainable and resilient micro and small enterprises – through enhanced collaboration between the government and social partners in the economic reintegration of migrant workers.

Project symbol

LKA/20/02/RBS

Admin unit

CO-Colombo

Start date

01/08/2020

End date

05/01/2024

Total allocation

307005

Total expenditure

Status

Closed

307005

Development Partners

Core voluntary funds (RBSA)

Country/Countries

Sri Lanka

Outcomes

Outcome 3: Full and productive employment for just transitions
Outcome 4: Sustainable enterprises for inclusive growth and decent work