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South Asia immigration barriers hindering industrial hub potential

Published

5 years ago

2021/10/3

ECONOMYNEXT – Could South Asian administrations put aside political differences to pave the way for a common industrial hub?

As a panel of experts opined recently, it is not that the region is lacking in natural and human resources, both skilled and unskilled, in the case of the latter category.

However, a common platform in terms of policy as well as change of attitude amongst the peoples is critical if South Asia is to attract manufacturers to set up shop in the region.

It’s time,observed the panel, that intra-regional capacities areleveraged to benefit South Asia as a whole.

Wansapriya Gunaseela, the Managing Director of Buildtek Consultants (pvt) Ltd., Sri Lanka,pointed out that even though the region’s labour force is primarily made up of youth, only about half of these young people are actively engaged in industry, therefore, it is important to motivate the other half.

The panel discussion on ‘Unlocking the Region’s Potential: Labour Mobility in South Asia’, held on September 20, was moderated by Waqar Rizvi, a Canadian-Pakistani TV Host and socio-political analyst.

Joining Gunaseela on the panel were Ms. Bhawani Rana, Chairperson of the Fortuna Group, Nepal and Mr. Asim Jamal, CEO of SANOFI, Pakistan. The webinar is part of the ‘Restart Asian Economies’ series organised by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), South Asia.

Gunaseela said that if South Asia is to effectively compete with other markets, it must increase productivity.

But first, the region must look at the different strengths and resources of neighbouring countries and build a common framework.

COVID 19, he said has increased dependence on digitalisation and automation, and South Asia must seize that opportunity to redesign training modules and upgrade skills, so that a five hundred member workforce would be able to do the work that is now carried out by a thousand workers.

Such improvements he said would result in increased productivity and higher wages for workers.

COVID 19, says Bhawani Rana, has brought many migrant workers back to their home countries. They are mostly skilled workers who have already been exposed to a work culture overseas. South Asia must act now to attract these and other members of the labour force to find employment within the region.

As she points out, though wages may not be equivalent to what workers may earn in foreign countries, awareness must be raised on the advantage of working closer to their homes and on the shared cultural practices and safety aspects of staying within the region. However, she stresses, if labour migration within the region is to be attractive, governments must introduce better and easier cross-border travel.

Says Jamal, the SAARC region is home to more than 20percent of the world’s population; they are mostly young, with good skills.They are comfortable moving between countries.

For decades, he says, there have been Pakistanis working in Bangladesh’s garment sector. It is the same with Sri Lankans.

Moreover, he cited examples from his own organisation where staff was sent from Pakistan to Bangladesh and India on a temporary basis to resolve various situations.

However, staff face issues around ease of movement, and they are also required to report to a police station throughout their stay, which, unfortunately takes up a good part of the day.

While SAARC has expressed the need for a common agenda, it is now up to the administrations of each country to begin a dialogue at all levels, he points out. Joint initiatives, he says, should open up opportunities for research and development in the field of pharmaceuticals, for instances; to make the region a centre of excellence.

Jamal also stated that the pandemic provided the perfect opportunity for South Asia to share their knowledge on vaccine production. Such an endeavour would have produced cost effective vaccines for the people of the region.

Retaining the workers, particularly the women in the region is key, says Rana.

“We need to develop a strategy by which the women workers do not go to the Middle East or West Asia. We need to emphasize the advantages of living and working closer to home. Connectivity among South Asian countries has improved there are many roads, highways, railway lines even sea lines.”

These are the advantages that should be showcased.

While making it attractive for South Asians to remain within the region, Jamal points out that the right of individuals to determine whether they should seek employment outside the region, such as in the Gulf nations must be recognised.

Echoing his co-panelists, Gunaseela says administrations must identify individualneedsand strengths, and irrespective of political differences introduce policies that will promote South Asia as the industrial ‘one stop shop.’

Cricket, he says is the common denominator that binds South Asians. Why, he asks, is that not reflected in building a common industrial agenda, opening doors for companies to hire the best in the trade from across the region.

Such a strategy would improve quality and standards, and pose a challenge to European businesses; in fact the sharing of resources and ease of movement should be the same as in the European Union.Workers may however, consider employment overseas as opportunities to earn better wages in foreign currencies.

Says Rana, if the labour force is to remain within regional boarders they need to understand the value in that; in Nepal for instance the social security fund should be another attraction, apart from the safety factor.

Gunaseela adds, that especially the skilled and unskilled labour force see an opportunity of working long hours to remit money home, though they themselves would actually be left with only a small portion of their wages to survive on in a foreign land. That should be compared against the opportunity to live and work closer home.

To achieve all that policies on education too need a change, where vocational training or business studies are also given importance.

Most importantly, a change of attitude amongst South Asians is necessary; it is time to value products manufactured within the region, instead of believing that ‘foreign made’ goods are of higher standards.

As Gunaseela pointed out, garments and other goods sold in European and Western markets are produced in South Asia and meet those standards. Yet, South Asians continue to subscribe to the myth that goods produced in the region and available in the local market are sub-standard.

Private sector stakeholders obviously see the benefits of promoting regional cooperation in building a strong industrial hub in South Asia. They are ready to tap into the natural resources and the fairly substantial labour force to make this a reality.

However, for workers in South Asia to seek opportunities in neighboring countries would require the mutual lowering of barriers by the countries in the region to that type of migration. For millennia the peoples of these countries have traded their goods and interacted with each other.

Yet barriers, a throwback from Colonia rule, which mostly revolve around security concerns, competing political ideologies and historical reasons, continue to hamper strengthening of ties and building a common industrial agenda.

Other regional groups such as the European Union and the Association of South East Asian Nations are countries which warred against each other for centuries. Although there is still the occasional spat, and statements critical of neighbouring countries are made, on the practical matters of trade and mutual profit and advancement they show solidarity.

It is time that South Asia followed those examples.

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UN Humanitarian Priorities Plan (HPP) for Cyclone Ditwah successfully concluded

Published

10 hours ago

2026/06/11

Priyan

The conclusion of the Humanitarian Priorities Plan (HPP) implemented by the United Nations for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah was marked at a ceremony held in Colombo this morning (11), under the patronage of Commissioner General of Essential Services and Chief of Staff to the President, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, and United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Marc-André Franche.

Speaking at the event, UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche noted that the humanitarian relief programme launched for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah had been successfully implemented owing to the strong political leadership and the swift response demonstrated in managing the disaster situation.

Commissioner General of Essential Services and Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi emphasized that Sri Lanka had demonstrated how strong national leadership and effective partnerships could ensure the delivery of relief to affected communities in a fair and efficient manner during times of crisis. He further stated that the timely and accurate data and assessments provided by the United Nations had played a crucial role in facilitating rapid relief efforts. He also noted that the Government is continuing its efforts to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems to enhance resilience against future natural disasters of a similar nature and to further expand institutional coordination at national, provincial and local levels.

Expressing appreciation and gratitude for the generous and prompt assistance extended by various countries and partners, the Commissioner General also commended the contribution of all state institutions that helped ensure the uninterrupted provision of essential services and facilitated the swift delivery of relief assistance.

Under the United Nations’ Humanitarian Priorities Plan for Cyclone Ditwah, a fundraising initiative was launched to mobilise US$35.4 million for those affected by the disaster. Of this amount, 75 per cent has already been disbursed as assistance to affected communities across the country. Through the programme, each affected family received an allowance of Rs. 27,000 through Divisional Secretariats, while a range of additional relief measures, including the construction of temporary housing, were also implemented.

The Humanitarian Priorities Plan covered 25 districts and delivered assistance through nine key sectors. Official reports indicate that 87 per cent of the targeted population of more than 650,000 people, equivalent to approximately 575,000 individuals, directly benefited from the programme. This achievement clearly reflects the confidence and support extended by foreign governments and organisations towards the Cyclone Ditwah response programme being implemented by the present Government.

Among those who attended the event were Additional Secretary (Disaster Management) to the Ministry of Defence K. G. Dharmatilake, ambassadors and high commissioners from several countries, representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), representatives of international humanitarian organisations, and a number of local and international dignitaries.

(PMD)

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President chairs discussion on potential El Niño impacts and institutional preparedness

Published

12 hours ago

2026/06/11

Priyan

A discussion to review the potential impacts of the anticipated El Niño phenomenon and the preparedness plans of relevant institutions to address its effects was held this morning (11) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Department of Meteorology, the Department of Irrigation, the Central Environmental Authority, Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, the Disaster Management Centre, Vidulijanana Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and the National System Operator (Pvt) Ltd, among other relevant institutions.

Extensive discussions were held on the possible impact of the anticipated El Niño conditions on the country’s food security, drinking water supply and energy sector, as well as the immediate measures required to effectively manage these sectors.

Particular attention was given to current reservoir water levels and the measures required managing potential pressure on agriculture, drinking water supply and energy generation. Officials also briefed the President on the preparedness plans already in place to mitigate any adverse effects.

Officials noted that the expected El Niño conditions are likely to resemble those experienced during 2016–2017. They further stated that water management plans have been formulated accordingly and that steps have already been taken to commence the 2026 Yala season approximately one and a half months earlier than usual.

Special attention was also focused on ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply over the upcoming months, maintaining agricultural activities and safeguarding food security. The President instructed relevant officials to prepare and submit detailed plans to ensure adequate electricity generation, the provision of water required for the forthcoming cultivation season and the protection of drinking water resources.

President Dissanayake observed that, just as Sri Lanka had successfully managed challenges arising from Cyclone Ditwah and the conflict situation in the Middle East, the country possesses the capacity to effectively address this global challenge as well. The President expressed confidence that with proper planning and timely implementation, Sri Lanka would be well positioned to respond to any eventuality.

Among those present were Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, Director General of the Department of Meteorology A. L. K. Wijemannage, Director General of the Department of Irrigation Kithsiri Weligopolage, Director General of the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka H. M. K. K. Herath, Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority Professor Tilak Hewawasam, Acting Director General of the Disaster Management Centre Brigadier D. D. G. A. Jayawardena and several senior officials representing the relevant institutions.

(PMD)

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New Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre reflects enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan – PM

Published

12 hours ago

2026/06/11

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated at the ceremonial opening of the new Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre today [11th of June 2026].

The cultural centre, commissioned by the Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre Trust and situated at No. 85, Ward Place, Colombo 07, is a landmark development designed to promote cultural exchange, education, professional training and bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan.

The New Sasakawa Centre was ceremonially opened by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Akio ISOMATA, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Yohei SASAKAWA, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, Japan, Premalal Fernando, Chairman, Sasakawa Centre Trust. The Prime Minister unveiled the inaugural plaque.

Following the occasion Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Sasakawa Peace Foundation in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Yohei SASAKAWA, Honorary Chairman.

Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated, that the friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan is enriched by a long history of cultural and spiritual connections and that the societies are connected through a deep appreciation of nature, culture, learning, and community.

Highlighting the longstanding contribution of the Sasakawa Centre, the Prime Minister stated that it has played an invaluable role in promoting Japanese language education and strengthening mutual understanding between the people of Sri Lanka and Japan. She expressed confidence that the new Centre would emerge as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, educational cooperation, and meaningful people-to-people engagement.

The Prime Minister stated that, at a time of increasing global uncertainty, partnerships based on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to peace are more important than ever. She reaffirmed that Sri Lanka and Japan remain committed to dialogue, international cooperation, and s rules-based international order that promotes peace, prosperity, and human dignity.

The occasion was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Akio ISOMATA, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Yohei SASAKAWA, Chairman, The Nippon Foundation, Japan, Premalal Fernando, Chairman, Sasakawa Centre Trust and Diplomatic core, distinguished guests.