Labour Law Reforms

Promise In the Works

“Revising existing labor laws and introduce new regulations to address specific challenges faced by working women and ensure job security”

Hon. Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, (Dr.) Anil Jayantha, stated that steps have already been initiated to look into the ratification of the ILO Convention 190 on eliminating violence and harassment in the workplace.
He made this statement while responding to the Motion at the Adjournment Time moved by Hon. Member of Parliament Rohini Kumari Wijerathna representing the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus on March 8th 202, in line with International Women’s Day. (Parliament of Sri Lanka)
The Ministry of Labour has announced that it would consolidate 12 existing labour acts into four, introducing modern provisions for flexible working hours, digitalization and women’s empowerment. Reportedly, 50 labour related statutes have been counted by the Ministry, and 14 of these acts have been identified as frequently used. Of these 14 acts, 02 have been incorporated which address budgetary relief and minimum wage hike. The remaining 12 acts are to be consolidated into four streamlined pieces of legislation, under the purported reforms.
There are concerns that have been raised particularly by the workers in the Free Trade Zones and the General Services Employees Union regarding meaningful consultation in drafting the proposed reforms.