Sri Lanka reaffirms commitment to decent work and social justice at ILC

Sri Lanka has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting decent work, strengthening labour rights, and enhancing social protection during the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference currently underway in Geneva, Switzerland.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, who is attending the conference from June 1 to 12, met with International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo on June 8 and held discussions on the country’s ongoing labour sector reforms. During the meeting, Dr. Fernando briefed the ILO Director-General on a range of initiatives being undertaken by the Government to modernize labour laws and strengthen social protection mechanisms. He also sought the ILO’s support in advancing these reforms. The Minister highlighted Sri Lanka’s recent ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work, noting that steps have already been taken to introduce the necessary legal provisions for its implementation.

Dr. Fernando also informed the ILO that Sri Lanka is considering the ratification of Convention No. 188 on Work in Fishing to ensure decent working conditions and greater protection for workers in the fisheries sector. Emphasizing the Government’s commitment to improving the working environment for the country’s labour force, the Minister said efforts to strengthen labour standards and worker welfare would continue without interruption.

Commending Sri Lanka’s commitment to international labour standards, Houngbo welcomed the country’s recent progress in aligning its labour policies with global conventions. He assured that the ILO would continue to provide the necessary technical assistance to support Sri Lanka’s reform initiatives. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the International Labour Conference, the ILO’s highest decision-making forum, which brings together representatives of governments, employers, and workers from around the world to discuss key labour and employment issues.

Source: Daily News