Sri Lanka and Romania have discussed employment protection and welfare arrangements affecting approximately 26,000 Sri Lankans living and working in Romania, although the latest diplomatic consultations concluded without an announcement of a new bilateral labour agreement.
The sixth round of political consultations between the two countries took place in Bucharest, according to a statement published by the Sri Lankan government on October 24.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra represented Sri Lanka and co-chaired the discussions with Romanian Secretary of State for Strategic and Global Affairs Ana-Cristina Tinca.
The meeting covered foreign employment, worker protection, trade, investment, tourism, education and maritime cooperation.
Employment rights receive attention
The welfare of Sri Lankan nationals residing and working in Romania was among the principal subjects discussed.
The government placed the number of Sri Lankans in Romania at approximately 26,000.
The discussions addressed policy and institutional matters concerning foreign employment, including the protection of workers.
Both sides agreed to continue examining relevant measures within their existing legal and administrative frameworks.
The statement does not identify specific changes to employment contracts, minimum wages, recruitment procedures or complaint-handling arrangements.
It also does not announce a new mechanism through which Sri Lankan workers can obtain assistance from Romanian labour authorities.
Driving licence difficulties remain under discussion
The two delegations also considered issues concerning Sri Lankan driving licences.
Recognition of foreign driving licences can affect workers employed in transport and other occupations requiring permission to drive.
The government did not announce that Sri Lankan licences would automatically become valid for employment-related driving in Romania.
Nor did the statement identify a date for completing any agreement on licence recognition or conversion.
Workers should therefore continue following the licensing requirements currently applicable in Romania until the relevant authorities formally announce changes.
Approximately 26,000: Sri Lankans living and working in Romania.
Employment protection: Discussed by both delegations.
Driving licences: Existing issues raised during the talks.
Trade and maritime links: Further cooperation discussed.
New labour agreement: None announced in the published statement.
Colombo and Constanța port links discussed
Economic cooperation formed another part of the meeting.
The two governments discussed expanding trade and investment opportunities and strengthening maritime connections between Colombo and Romania’s Port of Constanța.
Constanța is a major Romanian port on the Black Sea, providing access to European transport networks.
The announcement does not identify a new shipping service, cargo agreement or investment commitment involving the two ports.
It establishes that maritime cooperation was discussed as part of the wider bilateral relationship.
Foreign employment remains a diplomatic responsibility
Sri Lanka’s overseas workforce depends on employment regulations in destination countries as well as the assistance available through Sri Lankan diplomatic missions.
Labour agreements can provide formal arrangements for recruitment and worker protection, although their provisions vary between countries.
The Romanian consultations concern a different destination and legal system, but they similarly involve the responsibilities of Sri Lankan authorities towards citizens employed overseas.
Seventieth anniversary approaches
Sri Lanka and Romania are preparing to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.
Both delegations discussed using the anniversary to expand practical cooperation.
The latest meeting confirms that worker welfare, licensing arrangements and commercial ties remain subjects of bilateral discussion.
Any resulting changes to employment protections or driving licence recognition will require further official decisions and publication of the applicable arrangements.
