Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando engages in high-level meetings to enhance worker mobility, skills development, and investment collaboration between Sri Lanka and Singapore
Singapore, 13 August 2025 — The Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Sri Lanka, Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando, concluded a successful working visit to Singapore, held from 11 to 13 August 2025. His visit centred on strengthening bilateral ties in labour mobility, economic cooperation, and foreign investment.
While in Singapore, Minister Fernando participated in the Invest Sri Lanka Investor Forum, jointly organised by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka and the Colombo Stock Exchange, in association with the Sri Lankan High Commission in Singapore. The forum showcased investment opportunities and Sri Lanka’s reform agenda to the Singaporean business community.
In a meeting with Singapore’s Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Manpower, Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on labour-related issues. Discussions focused on enhancing worker protection, recognition of skills, and access to training opportunities to ensure Sri Lankan workers remain aligned with the evolving demands of Singapore’s economy. Minister Fernando also proposed expanding employment avenues for Sri Lankan nationals in growing sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing.
During his discussions with Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and for Culture, Community and Youth, Minister Fernando welcomed Singaporean business activity in Sri Lanka, particularly in food processing, infrastructure, and hospitality. Minister Tan reiterated Singapore’s interest in expanding trade and investment engagement, while Minister Fernando detailed the country’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at fostering a more investor-friendly environment.
Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe, also shared updates on the nation’s financial services sector, green finance initiatives, and its broader economic recovery roadmap. Both delegations acknowledged the need for increased collaboration between like-minded countries in navigating global economic uncertainties.
On the sidelines of the visit, Minister Fernando met with representatives of employment agencies working with Sri Lankan nationals in Singapore. Held at the Sri Lankan High Commission, the meeting focused on strengthening ethical recruitment practices and improving worker welfare, while aligning skill development initiatives with Singapore’s labour market requirements.
Minister Fernando was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Mr Senarath Dissanayake, Minister/Head of Chancery Mr Ahamed Razee, and Minister Counsellor (Commercial) Ms Bhagya Abeykoon.
Source: High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore
