KUWAIT: Contrary to recent reports, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Kuwait Kandeepan Bala refuted any intentions by Sri Lanka to suspend the dispatching of domestic workers to Kuwait. He emphasized that Sri Lanka is maintaining its collaboration with Kuwait, citing the legal protection afforded to all workers in the country. The ambassador highlighted the substantial presence of Sri Lankans in Kuwait at around 120,000, explaining that more than 58,000 Sri Lankans were recruited in Kuwait in 2023, with around 80 percent of them engaged in domestic work, underscoring the continued partnership between the two countries in the realm of labor.

Bala revealed that preparations are underway for signing an agreement on political consultations involving all relevant parties, underlining the importance of such agreements on bilateral relations. He indicated that the report of the year 2023 by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment showed the total registration for final approval (manpower wise) is 38,198 Sri Lankans in Kuwait, split between qualified, skilled, semi-skilled and domestic workers, and 24,089 Sri Lankans who were self-registered.

Highlighting the enduring diplomatic ties, the Sri Lankan ambassador emphasized the distinguished 54-year history of relations between Sri Lanka and Kuwait, underscoring collaborative efforts, including support from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, which finances various projects in Sri Lanka. Bala noted a friendly meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries in New York, signifying a commitment to exchanging and strengthening bilateral relations. This interaction reflects the ongoing diplomatic engagement aimed at fostering cooperation and mutual understanding between Sri Lanka and Kuwait.