Business
Good Riddance to the FBR: What Next to Increase Migrant Remittances to Sri Lanka?
By Dr Bilesha Weeraratne
The decision by the Cabinet to partially lift the Family Background Report (FBR) requirement for female migrants is long overdue and a welcome move to promote female labour migration from Sri Lanka. The discriminatory FBR policy was introduced in June 2013 in order to restrict females with children under the age of five and to discourage females with older children from taking up foreign employment. The FBR initially covered only female domestic worker departures, but in August 2015, this was expanded to cover all females. As a result, from 2013 onwards the dominance of women among worker departures declined significantly.
The FBR’s Intended Objectives
The FBR requirement was introduced based on the notion that a mother’s absence has negative social implications for the children left behind. Generally, this is an acceptable argument. However, it is important to consider the economic context and income constraints faced by the mother, the related stress and other facets that contribute to the wellbeing of a child. The critical weakness around the introduction of this policy was the absence of sound empirical evidence of the negative social impacts brought about by the absence of the migrant mother, which the policy aimed to address. Similarly, the continuation of the policy lacked empirical evidence to prove any improvement to the wellbeing of children of mothers held back by the policy. Hence, although the FBR purportedly “protected against family breakdown,” it is unclear whether staying together as a family contributed to the greater well-being of the children”.
Outcomes of the FBR Policy
Apart from the absence of evidence confirming any positive outcome of the policy, there was ample evidence of the unintended negative consequences. Research conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) in 2016 showed that although the FBR was successful in restricting females migrating for domestic work, the policy promoted migration outside Sri Lanka’s legal framework or through visitor visas and thus increasing their vulnerability at destination. Additionally, vulnerability was heightened due to women resorting to corrupt practices to circumvent the FBR requirement by forging documents. In 2015, the price of a forged FBR ranged from LKR 25,000-85,000. Often, these amounts were paid by the sub-agent or the licensed recruitment agent, leading to abuse and exploitation of the potential migrant women during recruitment. Similarly, FBR is also associated with delays in the recruitment process.
More recent evidence from IPS research shows that the FBR policy resulted in decreased departures among lower-skilled groups and increased departures among middle-level and professional workers. This increase in higher-skilled workers is linked to FBR-related corruption and misreporting of skills to avoid the policy. Thus, the policy is associated with greater involvement of lower-skilled workers in recruitment-related corruption, higher exposure to recruitment-related vulnerability, and lower foreign employment opportunities. One of the most critical gaps in this policy as highlighted in previous IPS research was the absence of a mechanism to support those who were “not recommended” for migration under the FBR and were forced to remain in Sri Lanka with their children.
Reluctance to Reverse
Until its removal in June 2022, the FBR policy had been revisited several times. For example, in 2016, as a result of research evidence and lobbying by different stakeholders, a Parliamentary Sub-committee was established to review the policy. As noted by the author in another study for the Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development (KNOMAD), the then ministry-in-charge and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) encouraged repealing the FBR based on both evidence and stakeholder perceptions. Yet, the Sub-committee favoured continuation of the policy. Despite mounting evidence and support from the relevant stakeholders, the FBR mandate remained for nine years mainly due to the absence of political will to accept evidence-based research and advice by qualified/relevant stakeholders. The underlying reason for this was the possible political backlash for removing a populist policy – though not backed by an iota of evidence.
Increasing Formal Remittances
Migration and remittances can contribute significantly to bridge Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange shortage. Research reveals that compared to men, women are more reliable remitters, although their wages are relatively lower. As such, it is important to facilitate foreign employment opportunities for women. The removal of the FBR requirement is likely to increase female departures by enabling women to make a labour market decision independent of their maternal status, while minimising delays and vulnerability in the recruitment process.
However, to reap the desired outcome of more remittances from higher departures, the new stock of females departing for foreign employment in the absence of the FBR must be convinced to remit through formal channels. Here, it is important to identify the key demographics of this segment of migrants who now face more relaxed regulations for migration (likely to be married women with mostly young children and leaving children in the care of a female extended family member) and design incentives accordingly.
In addition to the traditional incentive schemes proposed in recent weeks to promote formal remittances, a few recommendations targeting female migrants are as follows:
1. Provide unmatched incentives for remittances sent through children’s bank accounts.
a. For every X amount (i.e. USD 100) remitted per month through a child’s bank account
i. Y amount (i.e. USD 5) will be contributed by the state towards an education fund account for that child maintained in the same bank, which can be withdrawn annually for year-end educational expenses.
ii. Tie a children’s medical insurance, where medical reimbursement to the value of Y amount (i.e. LKR 2000) per month can be received.
iii. Receive a child nutrition pack
b. Once remittances sent through the child’s bank account exceed X amount (i.e. USD 1000),
i. The child will receive a free life insurance cover.
ii. Become eligible for an internship at the bank upon reaching the age of 18.
2. Tie incentives for remittances through support towards the children’s caregiver.
a. For every X amount (i.e. USD 100) remitted per month through a bank account
i. Receive a caregiver nutrition pack worth Y amount.
ii. Receive a caregiver medical care insurance coverage.
Link to the blog: https://www.ips.lk/talkingeconomics/2022/07/04/good-riddance-to-the-fbr-what-next-to-increase-migrant-remittances-to-sri-lanka/
In a landmark move towards digital transformation within Sri Lanka’s legal system, the Supreme Court officially launched online payment acceptance via GovPay, at a ceremony held on 15th May 2025 at the Supreme Court Complex in Hulftsdorp, Colombo 12, under the patronage of Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, PC.
This digital initiative enables both legal professionals and general public to make real-time, secure online payments via any GovPay-enabled internet banking, mobile banking platforms and FinTech applications for a wide range of services offered by the Supreme Court including Brief Fees, Certified Copying Fees, Commercial High Court Appeal Filing Fees, Compensation, Cost, Enrollment Fees (Attorney-at-Law), Good Standing Certificate Fees, New Plaint Filing Fees, and Online Payments for Affidavits.
At the initial phase GovPay payments to Supreme Court has been enabled via several online banking platforms and FinTech apps including BOC Smart Pay Mobile App, Peoples Pay Mobile App, NSB Online Banking, Pan Asia Online Banking, Sampath Vishwa Online Banking, HNB PayFast, Seylan Bank Online Banking, DFCC Online Banking, NationsDirect Online Banking / NationsDirect Mobile App, ComBank Digital Online Banking and ComBank Digital Mobile App, NDB Neos Online Banking, Helakuru Mobile App, iPay Mobile App, FriMi Mobile App, Genie Mobile App. The integration with GovPay ensures secure, seamless, and transparent transactions, accessible from anywhere anytime, bringing a new level of convenience and efficiency to the legal community and the general public using courts. Moreover, the entire GovPay digital process, including the receipt which generated via the system are legally valid under the Electronic Transactions Act No. 19 of 2006 (as amended).
Speaking at the launch, Chief Justice Murdu Fernando PC emphasized the significance of this initiative in modernizing the judicial system, stating that “This marks an important milestone in our journey towards a more accessible and technology-enabled judiciary. By embracing digital platforms such as GovPay, we are not only improving efficiency and transparency, but also enhancing public trust and ease of access to all stakeholders of the judicial system” , the Chief Justice stated.
Integration with GovPay aims to reduce the reliance on physical cash transactions, long queues, and administrative difficulties that have historically burdened court users as well as legal professionals. It also aligns with the national agenda of leveraging digital infrastructure to improve public service delivery.
The Supreme Court’s adoption of technology-based payments is expected to serve as a model for similar implementations across other courts of law throughout Sri Lanka. Several high-ranking legal professionals, officials from LankaPay, ICTA and representatives of the legal and banking sectors were present to witness this historic occasion.
This transformation is the result of collaboration between the Supreme Court Registrar, the Registry Staff, the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Digital Economy and key financial and technological institutions committed to enhancing digital inclusion within public institutions with the support of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
As the legal landscape evolves, digital platforms, such as GovPay, will play a critical role in ensuring the justice system remains adaptive, inclusive, and future-ready. The Supreme Court’s forward-thinking initiative is expected to pave the way for comprehensive judicial digitalization nationwide.
Fortude has announced a strategic partnership with Ettos, a leading supply chain traceability platform aimed at enabling fashion businesses to maintain more transparent processes and allowing customers to understand how their products are made. This collaboration will integrate traceability, compliance, and Digital Product Passports (DPPs) into a unified solution, helping fashion brands streamline their supply chains and enhance transparency.
Ettos’ platform simplifies the tracking of raw materials and the verification of sustainability claims. It offers a B2B web platform for managing traceability and compliance, along with a B2C web app that delivers DPPs to consumers via QR codes. Through this partnership, Fortude and Ettos will jointly expand their capabilities in the fashion sector, supporting clients from raw material sourcing to final product delivery.
Adriana Batty, Co-founder of Ettos, said, “We are happy to partner with Fortude, whose expertise in digital solutions and deep roots in the fashion industry align with our vision of creating a transparent global supply chain. Together, we will empower brands and consumers with verifiable sustainability insights.”
With over a decade of experience delivering digital solutions to global fashion brands, Fortude shares Ettos’ commitment to transforming supply chain transparency. Daniel Rodrigo, Senior Vice President Global Technical Consulting at Fortude added, “Our partnership with Ettos reinforces our mission to provide digital solutions that matter. For over a decade, we have been an Infor partner, delivering ERP solutions to numerous global fashion brands. As we broaden our vision to drive digital transformation, this partnership is a significant step toward driving meaningful change for fashion brands seeking enhanced transparency and compliance.”
This partnership marks a significant step forward in meeting the fashion industry’s growing demand for sustainability and transparency. Fortude and Ettos are dedicated to helping brands navigate complex supply chains with confidence, fostering a more sustainable future for fashion.
Turyaa Chennai, a premier five-star deluxe classified hotel under the Aitken Spence Hotels portfolio, celebrates a decade of redefining hospitality in one of South India’s most dynamic urban corridors.
Conceived by the visionary entrepreneur and Late Chairman of Aitken Spence PLC, Deshamanya D.H.S. Jayawardena, Turyaa Chennai was built on the belief that Aitken Spence warmth and world-class hospitality could find a meaningful home in India. Ten years on, his legacy continues—alive in every guest experience, every team member’s dedication, and every milestone the hotel celebrates.
Since its opening in 2015, Turyaa Chennai has become a trusted name in Chennai—offering warm service and contemporary comfort. Strategically located along Chennai’s IT expressway, the hotel has grown into a hospitality landmark for business travellers, international travellers, and local tastemakers. Its vibrant dining concepts, spacious rooms and suites, rooftop leisure areas, and exceptional service standards have made it a preferred address in the city.
To mark its 10th anniversary on 15th of May 2025, Turyaa Chennai is hosting a month-long series of celebrations in honour of its legacy and the people who helped shape it. These include religious blessings, a celebratory dinner for loyal guests and partners, an awards ceremony for team members, and culinary showcases that nod to the hotel’s South Indian and Sri Lankan heritage.
Turyaa Chennai (Aitken Spence Hotels) donates wheelchairs to Tamil Nadu Railways in collaboration with Geo India Foundation.
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