The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment has appointed 100 new employees across multiple roles following an open recruitment process, marking the institution's first merit-based hiring in 40 years.
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has appointed 100 new employees to fill positions across its head office and provincial and district offices. The appointments were formally presented by Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath on September 8, with new recruits assigned roles as management assistants, information technology officers, drivers, and office assistants based on staffing requirements.
According to the Ministry, this recruitment marks a significant institutional shift. The appointments represent the first open, merit-based recruitment process conducted by the SLBFE in 40 years, with applications invited through public advertisements and candidates selected based on required educational and professional qualifications. Ada Derana reported that applicants were drawn from every district of Sri Lanka, and that existing employees also received promotions during the process. The SLBFE Chairman Koshala Wickramasinghe noted that appointments will be confirmed following a probationary period and performance evaluation.
Minister Herath emphasized the strategic importance of the recruitment to Sri Lanka's economy, noting that foreign remittances totalled USD 8.2 billion in 2025. He framed the new hires as responsible for protecting the welfare of hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankan workers employed overseas, particularly in the Middle East. The Minister called on the appointees to improve public perception of the bureau, respond compassionately to citizen concerns, and deliver efficient services with integrity.