Sri Lanka pushes labour reforms to strengthen worker protection

Labour Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando (left) with International Labour Organization Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo 

Sri Lanka is pressing ahead with efforts to strengthen labour protection and modernise workplace standards as the government seeks international support for a broad reform agenda aimed at improving working conditions and expanding social protection for workers.

Labour Minister and Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, currently attending the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, held talks with International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo this week, outlining measures being implemented to reform labour laws and enhance worker welfare.

During the meeting, Fernando briefed the ILO chief on a range of labour and social protection reforms being undertaken by the government and sought the organization’s support in advancing these initiatives.

A key development highlighted during the discussions was Sri Lanka’s recent ratification of ILO Convention No. 190, which seeks to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work. The minister said the government had already initiated steps to introduce the legal provisions necessary to implement the convention.

The government is also considering ratifying ILO Convention No. 188 on Work in Fishing, which establishes international standards for decent working and living conditions for workers in the fisheries sector.

The move signals a broader effort by authorities to extend labour protections across sectors while improving occupational standards and worker welfare.

Fernando reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a better working environment for Sri Lanka’s labour force and said efforts to strengthen labour protections would continue.

Houngbo welcomed Sri Lanka’s recent initiatives and commended the government’s commitment to aligning labour practices with international conventions.

The ILO Director-General also pledged technical assistance to support Sri Lanka’s labour reform agenda, providing additional backing for reforms aimed at strengthening worker protections and social justice.