Establishing a skill assessment mechanism through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), for Sri Lankan Migrant Workers

Ministry of Skills and vocational Training, Ministry of Foreign Employment and Ministry of Home Affairs jointly requested ILO’s support establishing a “RPL Coordinating committees for Migrant workers”

In 2016, ILO project on Migration Skills conducted a national consultation to generate recommendations for establishing a mechanism to assess skills of migrant workers. Based on the recommendations, Ministry of Skills and vocational Training, Ministry of Foreign Employment and Ministry of Home Affairs jointly requested ILO’s support establishing a “RPL Coordinating committees for Migrant workers” at the Divisional Secretariat level and to pilot the project in identified districts in the country.

RPL Coordinating meeting in Ampara
The pilot to test the mechanism was carried out in eight districts among 200 returned construction workers. The pilot included following steps;
  • Base line study to identify the mechanisms available at the DS/district/regional level
  • Proposing a model for RPL Coordinating and Sub Committees
  • Providing Orientation to Divisional level officers on RPL and Proposed Committees
  • Linking Vocational Training Authorities with the committees
  • Establishing Committees in identified districts, chaired by divisional secretary
  • Channeling returnee RPL applications through the committees to vocational training centers for assessment