SRI LANKA: DOL PROPOSED LABOR PROGRAM

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000362 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/INS LABOR FOR ILAB - CATHRYN CELESTE HELM; E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ELAB ETRD TIFA CE SUBJECT: SRI LANKA: DOL PROPOSED LABOR PROGRAM REF: HELM-WITMER EMAILS 03/09 ¶1. (SBU) In response to the Department of Labor's proposal to implement a program in Sri Lanka that addresses workers' rights (ref emails),post confirms that it believes that if funding is identified, the Government of Sri Lanka would likely be responsive and receptive to such an initiative. Post strongl recommends that the local ILO office, which maitains excellent working relationships with all key interlocutors (the government, employers, employee unions, and the Board of Investment -- which manages Sri Lanka's Export Processing Zones) be considered as the most appropriate implementing partner for such a program. ¶2. (SBU) Key to the success of such a program will be the way in which it is proposed to both key government contacts and local industry. Post encourages close cooperation between Labor, State, the U.S. Trade Representative's Office, and other stakeholders in the event this proposal receives funding. BLAKE