The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) and Japan’s IM Japan signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday to set up a new Employment Skill Development (ESD) Programme for Sri Lankan workers in Japan.
The agreement was signed at the SLBFE premises by SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe and IM Japan Chairman Kanamori Hitoshi.
The ESD Programme will replace the existing Technical Intern Training Programme from April 2027. It is expected to open more jobs for foreign workers and allow them to stay in Japan for longer periods.
For Sri Lankans seeking work in Japan, the SLBFE said the aim is to strengthen skills development and improve employment prospects.
The two bodies expect to work together to recruit more skilled Sri Lankan workers under the new programme from April 2027.
