Over 22,000 firms owe Rs. 36 b in unpaid EPF contributions

Tuesday, 25 March 2025 04:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe with new Labour Commissioner General H.M.D.N.K. Wataliyadde (right)

Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe states reforms to labour laws and agreements with particular focus on women and children begin
Announces Ministry is collaborating with Digital Economy Ministry to launch new initiative this week to streamline services digitally, enhance efficiency and convenience
Newly appointed Labour Commissioner General H.M.D.N.K. Wataliyadde assumes duties

Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe yesterday revealed that over 22,450 Government, semi-Government and private companies have failed to pay Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) contributions amounting to Rs. 36 billion.

The disclosure was made following the assumption of duties by the newly appointed Labour Commissioner General H.M.D.N.K. Wataliyadde at the Labour Department yesterday.

Addressing the issue, the Deputy Minister emphasised that the Department, which operates under the Labour Ministry, is one of the largest institutions in the country and carries significant responsibilities.

Jayasinghe also stated that the process of reforming labour laws has already begun, with a particular focus on women and children.

“Many existing regulations and agreements need urgent updates and the Ministry is working towards implementing these changes without further delay,” he added.

In addition, the Deputy Minister announced that the Labour Ministry is collaborating with the Digital Economy Ministry to launch a new initiative this week.

“This program aims to streamline services, enhance transparency, and improve efficiency and convenience for the public,” he noted.

Acknowledging the irregularities and inefficiencies in certain labour-related services, Jayasinghe affirmed that the Ministry is committed to resolving these issues and modernising labour administration in the country.

Wataliyadde is the third female Commissioner General of Labour. A career Sri Lanka Administrative Service personnel, she has previously served as the Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Director General of National HR Education Institute, Director General of Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotels Management and Additional Secretary at Ministry of Education among other positions held.

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