Sri Lankan Workers Depart for Israel as Labor Ties Strengthen

• 29 Sri Lankan workers are departing for Israel to work in caregiving.
• The trip highlights the bilateral agreement fostering job opportunities for caregivers.
• Sri Lanka maintains strong ties with Israel despite international concerns over Gaza.
• 379 workers were placed in Israel’s caregiving sector in 2025 alone.
• A new consulate in Haifa is set to bolster diplomatic and economic ties.

Recent Departures of Sri Lankan Workers to Israel

Growing Labor Migration Program with Israel There’s a new batch of newly selected Sri Lankan workers ready to fly out to Israel as part of a labor migration program supported by the government of Israel. This group, totaling 29 individuals, is slated to fill roles in the home-based caregiving sector. The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) was the venue for the official handover of their air tickets, which occurred on July 4th at its headquarters in Colombo. The bilateral agreement marks another chapter in strengthening ties between Sri Lanka and Israel, focusing on boosting employment for trained caregivers in the domestic care sector of Israel. It’s worth noting that this program has experienced steady growth in recent years, reflecting the demand for caregiving services.

The Economic Impact and Future Prospects

Continued Economic Relations amidst Controversy Interestingly, Sri Lanka continues to send thousands of workers into Israel primarily to fill vacancies left by Palestinian laborers. This labor migration is occurring despite a backdrop of international criticism of Israeli military actions in Gaza. The SLBFE reports that, in 2025 alone, 379 Sri Lankan caregivers have found employment in Israel, contributing to a cumulative total of 2,269 recruits for the caregiving sector under this ongoing agreement. Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Employment, Bimal Rathnayake, recently addressed the balancing act of maintaining strong relations with Israel during a time of geopolitical tension, stating, oddly enough, “If Sri Lanka suddenly ends ties with Israel, the economy will crash.” This was not just a fleeting comment; it underlines the significant economic implications tied into this relationship.

Enhancing Trade and Diplomatic Relations

Diplomatic Moves and Future Collaborations The momentum doesn’t stop with caregiving, as earlier in the year, a new Memorandum of Understanding led to successful placements of over 6,000 Sri Lankans in Israel’s construction sector. By mid-2025, about 1,018 Sri Lankan workers had already taken up positions in various projects. Coinciding with these developments, Sri Lanka established a new consulate in Haifa this March, which is good news for everyone involved. This consulate aims to foster further economic and diplomatic cooperation, which includes various discussions intensifying around trade in gems and jewelry, cinnamon exports, agriculture, and beyond. With the expanding ties, it appears both countries are on a trajectory towards deeper collaboration, even when faced with external political challenges.

In summary, the ongoing labor migration program between Sri Lanka and Israel is not only maintaining but augmenting the economic relationship, with significant placements in the caregiving and construction sectors. Despite international concerns regarding Israel’s actions, Sri Lanka appears committed to fostering these ties, seeking to balance economic needs with diplomatic relations. With continued expansions in cooperation, particularly in trade and new diplomatic establishments, the future looks promising for both nations.