Govt.’s proposal for Rs 100,000 fine against child labour triggers controversy

Colombo, June 29 (Daily Mirror) - The government’s move to dramatically increase the penalty for employing children has triggered public discussion, with a proposal to raise the fine from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 100,000 now before Parliament.

The proposed amendment to the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act, submitted by the Minister of Labour, has been published in the Gazette and seeks tougher action against those who employ children below the age of 18.

Under the new proposal, individuals found guilty after trial of employing children in public or private industrial establishments could face imprisonment of up to 12 months along with a fine of up to Rs. 100,000.

Supporters of the amendment argue that the existing penalty is too weak to deter child exploitation and that stronger punishments are necessary to protect children’s rights.

However, the proposed changes have also raised questions over enforcement, accountability, and whether increasing penalties alone will be enough to eliminate child labour without stronger monitoring mechanisms.