FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Sri Lanka is set to enter into an agreement with Israel to facilitate the employment of more Sri Lankan workers in the state, despite international allegations of genocide against Palestinians and the construction of settlements deemed illegal under international law.
Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, in a recent cabinet briefing, stated, “The State of Israel has officially expressed its willingness to recruit Sri Lankan workers for employment in the commercial and service sectors in Israel.” This development comes following cabinet approval of a proposal by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism to sign Protocol ‘G’ under the existing agreement between the two nations, thereby expanding employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers in these sectors.
Historically, agreements between Sri Lanka and Israel have facilitated temporary employment for Sri Lankan workers in various fields, including domestic care, agriculture, construction, hospitality, housekeeping and cleaning services, manufacturing, and catering. These opportunities were structured under Protocols A through F, as outlined in a cabinet statement.
The labor shortage in Israel has become increasingly dire across numerous sectors, exacerbated by its intensified military operations in the region and the cessation of work permits for Palestinians following events on October 7, 2023.
Lawmaker Rauff Hakeem has previously criticized the decision, equating it to “sending our workers to a country that is committing war crimes,” drawing a parallel to “sending workers to Nazi Germany when Hitler was killing Jews, and there were labor shortages.”
(Colombo/Dec30/2025)
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