RIYADH: The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) is capitalizing on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to secure high-paying job opportunities for Sri Lankan professionals in sectors such as construction, healthcare, hospitality, finance, and technology. This transformative national strategy is driving rapid modernization and economic diversification in the Kingdom, creating thousands of new roles for skilled foreign workers.
A high-level delegation, led by SLBFE Chairman Mr. Koshala Wickramasinghe and including representatives from 17 licensed foreign employment agencies, including Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency Private Limited, visited Riyadh and Dammam from May 10 to 16. Organized in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh, the mission engaged with Saudi employment authorities, business leaders, and stakeholders to promote Sri Lankan talent and establish formal partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
“A special delegation visited Saudi Arabia to further promote overseas employment opportunities for Sri Lankans. Prior to this mission, we conducted a survey and identified around 6,000 professionals—including engineers, quantity surveyors, and architects—interested in working in Saudi Arabia,” said Mr. Wickramasinghe.
The discussions proved highly successful, with Saudi institutions expressing strong interest in hiring Sri Lankan workers. “A large number of Saudi institutions expressed strong interest in hiring Sri Lankan workers. The response was very encouraging and reflected the global demand for skilled labor,” the Chairman added.
Mr. Wickramasinghe emphasized the inclusivity of the initiative, stating, “Our mission is to open doors for high-paying, dignified employment abroad. We are ensuring that all professional workers across Sri Lanka—whether from urban centers or remote villages—are given equal consideration. It’s about casting a wide net to catch every deserving talent.”
The SLBFE is equipping Sri Lankan professionals, including nurses, healthcare workers, financial experts, and skilled tradespeople, with advanced technical knowledge to meet international employer expectations. The Bureau’s proactive approach includes direct engagement with companies to explore opportunities and forge sustainable employment pathways.
“There is a special demand for Sri Lankan workers in the Gulf. They have a very optimistic view of our workforce, and I have seen this firsthand,” Mr. Wickramasinghe remarked.
In 2024, Sri Lanka earned $6.5 billion in foreign remittances, and the SLBFE aims to increase this to $7 billion in 2025 through enhanced employment initiatives, including a forthcoming special program to support overseas opportunities.
As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 goals, Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a key supplier of professional talent, leveraging its workforce’s strong work ethic and adaptability to contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom’s evolving economy.
