Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment of Sri Lanka Concludes Official Visit to Qatar, Strengthening Cooperation on Labour, Development and Welfare

Sri Lanka and Qatar discussed skilled employment opportunities and migrant worker protection during a joint committee meeting in Doha on 21 and 22 September 2026, led on the Sri Lankan side by Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra.

The visit combined labour discussions with meetings on trade, investment and development assistance, alongside engagement with Sri Lankan expatriates and an inspection of the embassy’s consular and employment welfare operations.

Hemachandra met Qatar’s Labour Minister, Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri, on 21 September. He outlined Sri Lanka’s interest in opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers in construction technology, healthcare, hospitality and information and communications technology.

According to the Sri Lankan embassy, approximately 140,000 Sri Lankans live in Qatar, working across construction, hospitality, financial technology and other sectors.

Discussions with Labour Ministry Undersecretary Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman bin Nasser Al-Thani covered worker protection and professional opportunities in healthcare. Hemachandra also outlined Sri Lankan initiatives including pension and loan schemes for migrant workers and digital services such as Lankakonnect.

Technical sessions on 22 September considered issues affecting lower-skilled workers, recognition of qualifications and opportunities in information technology, healthcare and financial technology.

Meetings with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and the Qatar-Sri Lanka Business Council explored economic cooperation and investment. Hemachandra briefed chamber representatives on Sri Lanka Expo 2027 and available trade and investment opportunities.

He also met representatives of the Qatar Fund for Development and Qatar Charity to discuss assistance and projects in Sri Lanka, including work in health, education and housing.

Two community engagement sessions drew around 200 Sri Lankans, according to the embassy. The programme included media appearances, a visit to the new Stafford Sri Lankan School building and a visit to Agrico, an agricultural business using hydroponic farming. The delegation included embassy and foreign employment officials.