Headstart and ILO Launch Trilingual AI Assistant for the Foreign Employment Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In a groundbreaking initiative to drive digital transformation in the public sector, Headstart, a leading EduTech solutions provider, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), has introduced an innovative, trilingual Conversational AI Assistant to streamline public service operations. This pioneering service is tailored for employees of the Foreign Employment Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism (the former Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment), marking a first for Sri Lanka. This initiative not only enhances productivity but also transforms the way government agencies operate through AI-driven solutions.

Senior Assistant Secretary (Development), from the former Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment, stated, “Conversational AI Assistant, supported by the ILO, marks a transformative step in public service delivery. This tool provides real-time knowledge, information, and assistance to government officers, civil society, and trade unions, significantly enhancing their capacity to support migrant workers and their families. It reflects our commitment to utilizing innovation to better serve the needs of people.”

Mr. Nishantha Warnasooriya, National Project Coordinator, ILO Sri Lanka, commented, “ILO supported the former Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment in introducing a Conversational AI Assistant to enhance the dissemination of labour migration knowledge among officers. This initiative reflects ILO’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery in the foreign employment sector, ensuring that officers are better equipped to serve migrant workers and their families.”

ILO, a key client of Headstart, leverages this AI Assistant to empower Ministry officials. Utilizing sophisticated natural language processing, the Conversational AI Assistant facilitates seamless communication and support for these officers, providing instant answers and insights while assisting with inquiries related to laws, regulations, procedures, and foreign employment. This innovative service streamlines workflows, allowing government employees to focus on their core responsibilities. Through this collaboration, Headstart and ILO demonstrate a shared vision of harnessing advanced technology to strengthen public sector capabilities in Sri Lanka.

Gihan Wickremasinghe, Chief Operating Officer of Headstart, stated, "At Headstart, we are committed to developing technology-driven solutions that enhance learning and knowledge-sharing. The launch of this Conversational AI Assistant, in partnership with ILO, represents a significant milestone in integrating AI to improve service delivery in the public sector. By equipping government employees with instant access to crucial information, we aim to create a more efficient and responsive public service environment."