Hidden unemployment among skilled force labour in Sri Lanka-Buhne

25 January 2011 07:13 am Views - 8529

The International Labour organization yesterday launched the Green Jobs project in Sri Lanka, in an attempt to find solutions for a more sustainable economy. Seen here is Minister of Labour and Labour Relations, Gamini Lokuge pledging his support for the project.  Pic by Kithsiri de Mel

By Nabeela Hussain
The United Nation Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Neil Buhne yesterday said that though economic indicators showed there was development, a closer look at the employment of the labour force in Sri Lanka shows the unemployment of skilled labour in the country.
Speaking at the launch of the Green Job project of the International Labour Organization (ILO) yesterday Buhne said that a closer look at those who were unemployed revealed that they were often well educated and had difficulty finding a job.
"The green jobs project is a very good initiative taken to help Sri Lanka achieve many of its goals including those it has made internationally and I hope that the employers and employees will give their full cooperation," he said.
The Green jobs project done by the ILO as requested by the government will be a two year project which will raise awareness of a more sustainable economy among all sectors. The project will also make a database of information regarding the potential of the country in addition to suggesting policy changes that could be integrated to the existing policy framework to achieve its goals.
ILO Project Coordinator for Green Jobs in Asia, Myriam Fernando said going green could have many outcomes such as retraining of employees to newer jobs, the creations of newer jobs or the loss of existing ones.
Minister of Labour and Labour Relations, Gamini Lokuge said that the project was a timely intervention that held the potential to find integrated solutions for the existing ecological problems. 
Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamay (SLNSS), General Secretary, Leslie Devendra, a trade union representative present at the launch stated that they as employees would give their fullest cooperation though skeptical as a green job did not necessarily mean a decent job.   
Employers Federation of Ceylon, Director General, Ravi Peiris said that the project could provide solutions for socio economic problems and have a win-win outcome for all parties involved.