On 13 July 2023, Mr. Katsuki Kotaro, Minister/ Deputy Head of Mission, attended the Project Closure Event of the Supporting the Socioeconomic Reintegration of Sri Lankan Migrant Workers Repatriated due to the COVID-19 Outbreak funded by Japan at the Mövenpick Hotel, Colombo.

The Project for Supporting the Socioeconomic Reintegration of Sri Lankan Migrant Workers Repatriated due to the COVID-19 Outbreak was funded by Japan and successfully executed by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Ministry of  Labour and Foreign Employment. The project filled a crucial gap by restoring livelihoods of migrant returnees impacted by COVID-19, through community infrastructure and providing access to employment opportunities while reducing their vulnerability through enhanced skills development for future employment opportunities as well as by improving capacity of government institutions in facilitating consistent economic participation of migrant returnees.

Japan has been continuously supporting the peace and socioeconomic development of Sri Lanka and the joint collaboration of IOM, ILO and Sri Lankan Government under this project was conducted in order to ensure targeted beneficiaries a sustainable livelihood through viable income generation activities.

The Japanese embassy in Colombo reiterates that the Government of Japan remains firmly committed to continuous support to assist the people of Sri Lanka and hopes this project will remain another significant milestone honoring the seven decades friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka.