Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, met with the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania, Bogdan Despescu, in Bucharest on 23 October 2026. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral engagement and expanding practical cooperation in key areas.
The Romanian delegation highlighted that the meeting marked the first formal high-level bilateral dialogue between Sri Lanka and Romania on internal security, police cooperation and migrant worker protection. According to official records, 28,304 Sri Lankan nationals were employed in Romania. The Romanian officials expressed their appreciation for the Sri Lankan workforce and commended its contribution to the national economy and its efforts to integrate into Romanian society.
Building on the establishment of Sri Lanka’s resident diplomatic mission in Bucharest in 2023, both countries agreed to advance the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Prevention and Combating of Transnational Crime. The framework would strengthen joint efforts to combat transnational organised crime, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, illicit drug trafficking and other cross-border criminal activities.
In the area of labour and worker protection, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to promoting safe, regular and orderly migration. They also agreed to strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies, immigration, labour and consular authorities to safeguard vulnerable migrant workers effectively.
Addressing ethical recruitment practices, the Sri Lankan delegation reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption in the migrant labour sector. Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra reiterated the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to curbing intermediaries engaged in unethical employment practices affecting Sri Lankan workers in Romania.
The Romanian delegation affirmed that national laws, rules and regulations protected foreign workers, including Sri Lankan nationals, against discrimination. The Romanian authorities also requested the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Romania to liaise with the Inspector General of Romanian Immigration on matters affecting Sri Lankan citizens. Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra requested transitional arrangements for Sri Lankan workers who had been released by their employers and were awaiting new employment. Due to the partial inactivation of the workinromania.gov.ro platform, these workers faced the risk of becoming irregular migrants through no fault of their own, as they were unable to secure new employment and process the required documentation. The Romanian side indicated that consideration would be given to providing relief to these workers.
Both delegations expressed confidence that the discussions marked a significant step towards translating shared priorities in security and labour protection into practical initiatives that would deliver mutual benefits to both countries.
The Romanian delegation comprised the Inspector General of the Inspectorate General of Immigration, Tiberiu Gim Giurea; the Inspector General of Border Police, Cornel Laura Stoica; and an expert of the General Directorate of European Affairs, Schengen and International Relations, Anca Barbu. The Sri Lankan delegation comprised the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Romania, Samantha Pathirana; the Director General for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Dilani Weerakoon; and the Counsellor of the Embassy, Prarthana Kaushalya.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bucharest
26 October 2026
