Indonesian social security model inspires Sri Lanka’s ambitious reformation in social welfare

A high-profile delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Labour and Foreign Employment Ministry Secretary R.P.A. Wimalaweera, embarked on a four-day study tour to Indonesia, from September 4-7, 2023. 

The main objective of this journey was to closely examine Indonesia’s comprehensive social security system, with a particular focus on its well-regarded unemployment insurance mechanism.

During this immersive experience, the Sri Lankan delegation engaged in extensive dialogues, collaborative knowledge sharing and observational studies to gain valuable insights from Indonesia’s social welfare framework. 

The lessons learned from this tour are expected to play a significant role in shaping the development of Sri Lanka’s own social security system.

One of the key outcomes of this educational trip is the prospect of Sri Lanka launching a comprehensive national social security model. 

A standout feature of this initiative is the introduction of an unprecedented unemployment insurance scheme, aimed at creating a more resilient, equitable and secure employment environment for Sri Lankans, spanning both formal and informal sectors.

Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara expressed gratitude to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for organising this enriching learning experience in Indonesia. He reaffirmed the Sri Lankan government’s unwavering commitment to replicating similar successes at home.

Following the tour, a debriefing session took place, leading to the identification of crucial action points: sharing the knowledge acquired during the Indonesian visit with top-tier government officials, drafting a comprehensive Cabinet Note outlining the fundamental design aspects of the envisioned social security programme, covering financial, legal and operational dimensions, presenting the design outline and proposal to the Presidential Social Protection Committee for scrutiny and launching an extensive awareness campaign to inform the public about the forthcoming transformative social welfare changes.

ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Simrin Singh commended the Sri Lankan government, employers’ associations and trade unions for their united and swift efforts in building a robust social security infrastructure for the nation.

In summary, these strategic initiatives reflect Sri Lanka’s holistic vision for reforming the labour and foreign employment sector, with a strong emphasis on social welfare. This approach highlights not only administrative leadership but also underscores the importance of public engagement and multi-stakeholder participation, essential elements for the success of such groundbreaking endeavours.