Interest in export processing zone jobs on the rise

Job seekers have been showing a greater interest in jobs in export processing zones coming under the BoI's purview, Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama said.

The communication relating to job opportunities disseminated by the job bank network based on these 12 processing zones had created this interest as it had helped job seekers to make a proper assessment about the available jobs, he said.

This network links the BoI head office and the 12 processing zones, namely Biyagama, Koggala, Sithawaka, Horana, Pallekelle, Wathupitiwala, Malwatta, Mirigama, Mirijjawila, Thulhiriya, Mawathagama and Polgahawela.

The job bank scheme in processing zones functioned as job service units. These units undertake the registration of job aspirants and provides guidance and information to them and handles co-ordination work between them and the relevant institutions. This had greatly helped to fill the gap between job seekers and available job opportunities.

The number of job aspirants requested in processing zones in January this year was as follows - Katunayaka - 600, Biyagama - 1,400, Sithawaka, Wathupitiwala and Koggala - 500 each.

More than 4,000 job seekers are being registered monthly in all processing zones. The total number registered and directed towards employment in processing zones last year was 35,000.

The enhanced salaries and other facilities offered by institutions in export processing zones was a major factor towards the increased demand for jobs. For instance an employee in the Katunayaka and Biyagama zones earned a monthly salary Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 15,000 and this increased to Rs. 20,000 with overtime payments. Migration from the North and East for these jobs has increased following the liberation of many areas in these provinces.