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E-8 visa agreement unlawfully signed by ex-minister – SLBFE

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The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Kosala Wickramasinghe disclosed that the E-8 visa agreement with South Korea was signed unlawfully by the former minister, without obtaining Cabinet approval or proper government authorization.

In a recent statement, Wickramasinghe emphasized that no private employment agencies in Sri Lanka are permitted to send workers to South Korea under the E-8 visa system, nor to collect any fees associated with it. He highlighted significant public misconceptions surrounding the E-8 visa, noting that it is a short-term visa limited to five months, which poses potential risks and lacks sufficient government oversight.

“There is currently a debate around the E-8 visa system in Sri Lanka. These visas are only available for a five-month period, which could lead to various issues. This is why no government has sanctioned agreements under this category. No private agencies in Sri Lanka are authorized to send workers to Korea or collect money for this purpose”, he stated.

Wickramasinghe further explained that the former minister had independently pursued the E-8 visa arrangement with a provincial governor in South Korea’s Wando Province, bypassing the required governmental approvals.

The Foreign Employment Bureau, he added, cannot be held responsible for this unauthorized arrangement, which was not sanctioned by the South Korean government. He stated that upon learning of this agreement, South Korean authorities expressed concerns and have urged Sri Lanka not to facilitate worker placements under the E-8 visa.

Reaffirming the bureau’s commitment to the legal E-9 visa, Wickramasinghe stated, “The E-9 visa, which offers placements for four years and ten months, remains the proper and stable route for Sri Lankan workers in Korea. By the end of this year, we anticipate sending more than 7,000 individuals under this legal system, which ensures substantial income and job security. We strongly advise job seekers against paying for opportunities tied to the unauthorized E-8 visa”, he further added.

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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1,996 housing units for low-income persons under China Govt. aid program

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It has been decided to construct 1,996 housing units for low-income persons under the China Government aid program and implement it under 3 packages. 

In order to implement the said project, bids have been called from 8 bidders nominated by the government of China. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Rural and Urban Development, Housing, and Construction to award the contract as follows, based on the recommendation of the Technical Evaluation Committee and the Standing Procurement Committee appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers.• Package 01 – to award the contract for construction of 575 housing units at Moratuwa and 108 housing units at Kottawa to the M/S China Railway 25th Bureau Group Co. Ltd.
• Package 02 – to award the contract for construction of 586 housing units at Dematagoda and 112 housing units at Maharagama to the M/S China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd.
• Package 03 – to award the contract for construction of 615 housing units at Paliyagoda  to the M/S Shanxi Construction Investment Group Co. Ltd.

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This week’s Cabinet decisions

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A number of decisions have been taken at the Cabinet meeting held yesterday (Nov. 05).

The decisions taken by the Cabinet of Ministers are as follows :

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Cabinet approval for China’s grant of school uniform material

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Prime Minister as the Minister of Education, Science and Technology to accept the Chinese Government’s grant for providing uniforms to all school students for the year 2025.

China has agreed to provide the grant and this was announced by the Chinese ambassador in Colombo – Mr. Qi Zhenhong several days ago.

Samples have been tested and approved for use by the Sri Lanka Textile and Garment Institute (SLITA).

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