The International Migrants Day was observed at a well-attended function organized by the Sri Lanka High Commission in the Maldives at the Mission premises in Malé on 18 December 2023.
The International Migrants Day has been observed annually, from the year 2000, following the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution on the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families on 18 December 1990. The official UN designation of the International Migrants Day was proclaimed in December 2000.
The event commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag and the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial oil lamp by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka A.M.J. Sadiq, diplomatic officers and representatives of Sri Lankans working in Maldives.
High Commissioner Sadiq, delivering the welcome remarks, underscored the importance of the International Migrants Day and lauded the significant contribution of Sri Lankan migrant workers in supporting the economic development of Sri Lanka, through the remittance of their earnings home.
The Head of the Employment and Welfare Section of the Mission Rasika Sirisena outlined the services provided by the Mission in facilitating the employment of Sri Lankans in Maldives, including by attesting employment contracts and the provision of insurance coverage by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). During his address, Mr. Sirisena pointed out that although Maldives is a small country in size, the remittances sent by Sri Lankan workers home, ranked 5th in terms of the overall remittances to Sri Lanka globally.
A highlight of the International Migrants Day celebration was the presentation of certificates and tokens of appreciation by the High Commissioner to two NGOs, namely the Migrant Workers Maldives and the Public Interest Law Centre, which were received by the Secretary General Aishath Iffa Ashraff, and the President Mariyam Shunana, respectively. The two NGOs have been providing their services to Sri Lankan workers to resolve their issues on a gratis basis.
Following the Vote of Thanks delivered by the Attaché of the Mission Sameera Perera, the event ended with the serving of refreshments to the assembled gathering.
Sri Lanka High Commission in Maldives
Male’
20 December 2023
