A 03-day workshop jointly organized by Sri Lanka Social Security Board ( SLSSB ) and the Sri Lankan Manpower Welfare Association ( SLMWA ) under the patronage of the Sri Lankan Embassy was held from 7 - 11 October at Mirage Hotel in Kuwait aimed at creating awareness on "Surakuma", a newly introduced pension and social security scheme and its benefits to the migrant workers. The scheme, the first of its kind launched overseas, was introduced under the concept "A Pension for All" in the "Mahinda Chinthana Forward Vision" policy document presented by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. It is estimated that over 380,000 migrant workers thus far have become members of the scheme making them eligible for a monthly pension, social security benefits, compensation payments etc.

Mr. Dammika Padukka, DGM (Operations ) accompanied by Mr. Indika Jahasinghe, Manager ( Sales Promotion ) represented the SLSSB at the programme organized by Mr. Nelson Christopher, President and members of the SLMWA under the distinguished presence of Sri Lankan Embassy staff represented by Mr. D.M.P.B. Dissanayake, Charge d' Affaires and senior diplomats of the Sri Lankan Embassy. Mr. Ifthikar Ahamed, SLSSB Middle East Coordinator and Mr. Mohamed Noordeen, SLSSB Agent in Kuwait facilitated arrangements in this regard. A large gathering of Sri Lankans who turned up for the event expressed their interest to join the scheme during the launch. The "Neth TV" channel, the sole media sponsor of the event was represented by Mr. Mahesh Bandara ( CEO ) and Mr. Kassapa Diyabedanage ( Head of Operations & Devpt.)

On behalf of the Sri Lankan Ambassador, Charge d' Affaires, Mr. D.M.P.B. Dissanayake delivered a speech in which he welcomed the new pension scheme launched in Kuwait and appreciated the efforts and initiatives taken by H.E. the President and the SLSSB officials for having chosen Kuwait as the first destination to introduce the "Surakuma Scheme". He also thanked SLMWA for hosting the event and for the generous hospitality extended. He extended Embassy's fullest support toward promoting this scheme among the Sri Lankan diaspora. In his speech Mr. Dammika Padukka, DGM conveyed his appreciation to the SLMWA and the Embassy for their support toward promoting this novel pension scheme. Elaborating further he appealed to those in the audience to obtain "Surakuma" membership and avail its benefits. Mr. Jahasinghe, Manager also spoke and emphasized their commitment toward ensuring security of migrant workers. Several members in the audience also spoke in support of this worthy endeavour.

The scheme which is specially designed for the migrant workers has been welcomed by the Sri Lankan diaspora in Kuwait as a timely initiative toward safeguarding their interest and future wellbeing.