The final practical examinations to select suitable Sri Lankan workers for employment in Israel’s construction sector were conducted by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) from 05 January 2026 at the NAITA Institute, Katubedda, Moratuwa.The examinations, which continued for four days, concluded on 08 January 2026. The final day of the assessment was observed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Hon. Arun Hemachandran, who inspected the examination process and progress.
A total of 1,169 applicants who had successfully passed the preliminary tests at NAITA Katubedda participated in the final practical examination. The assessments were conducted under four construction trade categories:Ceramic Tiling,Plastering,Gypsum Work,Block Building. The examinations were directly supervised by official Israeli examiners, ensuring transparency and compliance with international standards.
The candidates who qualify through this final assessment will be entered into a lottery draw conducted by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA). PIBA officials informed the Deputy Minister that 75% of the applicants included in the lottery will be selected for employment in Israel. The methodology used to assess and select suitable candidates was also explained to the Deputy Minister during the visit.
The observation programme was attended by SLBFE Chairman Mr. Koshala Wickramasinghe, Additional General Manager (Local Affairs) Mr. A. K. U. Rohana, Acting Deputy General Manager Mr. Susil Kumarapeli, along with other senior officials of the Bureau.The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment will make arrangements to deploy the selected candidates to Israel within approximately two months following the lottery draw conducted by PIBA.
At present, 880 Sri Lankan workers have already secured employment opportunities in Israel’s construction sector, marking a significant milestone in strengthening overseas employment prospects for Sri Lankan skilled workers.
