The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) will introduce a new regulation from July 01, 2025, for Sri Lankans seeking overseas employment through self-directed means, SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe announced.

Under the new rule, those applying must have their foreign employment agreement certified by producing necessary documents to the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in the respective country before registering with the SLBFE.

This process will involve a fee of USD 60.

According to the SLBFE Chairman, the rule will apply to only non-professional categories which are listed on the website of the bureau.

Under the first phase, it will apply to only 15 categories that are provided diplomatic services in 13 countries where labour units of the SLBFE are underway.

The SLBFE says that this move is aimed at safeguarding the rights of migrant workers by ensuring contract authenticity and transparency, prior to departure.

Exemptions will be granted to those who can present passports indicating their profession or relevant documentation proving their professional status abroad.

Investigations into the tragic bus accident in the Dunhida area, along the Badulla–Mahiyanganaya main road, have revealed that the designated driver wasn’t at the wheel at the time of the crash.

According to the Police, the person at the wheel had initially volunteered to move the bus parked near the Muthiyangana Temple in the absence of the actual driver. 

When the official driver later arrived, he had allowed this individual to continue driving the bus.

Police also say that the individual at the wheel also possesses a valid driving license.

The accident, which occurred on June 21, had claimed the lives of 03 persons and injured 31 others.

The bus was reportedly transporting a group from Thambuttegama, Anuradhapura, on a pilgrimage to Kumbalwela.

(Pic : Accident1st)

The Parliamentary House Committee has discussed the need to provide a temporary resting area for drivers of Parliamentarians during parliamentary sittings.

Parliamentary sources stated that arrangements will be made to allocate a suitable location for this purpose in the future.

(Source: Lankadeepa)