Govt. seeks ILO help to set up digital database of workforce

Friday, 14 October 2022 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government has sought assistance from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to build a digital data base of Sri Lanka’s workforce.

The request was made when ILO Country Director Simrin C. Singh and ILO Headquarters Senior Employment Specialist Sher Verick called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday.

Citing the initiatives taken by the Labour Ministry to create a thorough digitalised database of the workforce, Premier Gunawardena called on the ILO to facilitate to fast-track the process.

The Prime Minister informed on the overview of the economic impact post-pandemic and challenges on the workforce, as well as the Government’s short-term and long-term measures taken to rebuild the economy and assist employees, employers, whilst giving more attention to safeguard low-income workers.

Highlighting the Government’s strong desire to promote mobility in the labour force, Prime Minister Gunawardena provided an explanation of the numerous training initiatives that have been undertaken to advance skill sets. He believes that increasing the quality and quantity of work is the most effective way of lifting people out of poverty.

Despite some indications of encouraging trends, ILO Country Director Singh said most developing nations, including Sri Lanka, are struggling due to the global recession, budget constraints, issues with debt sustainability, and rising inflation.

Against this backdrop, she stated that these difficulties have led to a labour market crisis.

Employment Specialist Verick claimed the ILO’s founding principles were concerned not only with securing sources of income but also with providing a way for individuals to live a self-determined existence and fully participate as citizens in their communities.

Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara stressed that quality is the essence of the concept of decent work, which is defined by the ILO as chances for men and women to achieve productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity.

The ILO delegation pledged its full support to all of the Government’s initiatives for the welfare of the workers and steps to improve workforce skills.