Industry seminar and discussion on proposed labour reforms

Monday, 16 October 2023 02:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment of Sri Lanka has been having discussions with different stakeholders in the labour market over the last six months to modernise the legal and working environment of Sri Lanka to introduce a new labour act. The purpose is to re-look at the well over 100-year traditions coming from the colonial age which has had minor changes and still being used for competing for products and services across the world, while the working environment and technology has changed manifold over the decades.

Many have pointed out that it is in the interest of both the employee and the employer to modernise the current working environment to attract investment and to build the economy that would compete with regional economies that have advanced labour reforms. It is understood that in the production, retail and services industries, many laws remain hindering productivity and impractical methodologies to resolve labour market issues.

In this context draft documentation has been prepared to introduce new legislation, which would be focussed on needs of the industry and to increase and expand new employment avenues to the younger generation. The proposed law amendments are to be presented to the cabinet soon.

The forum will be held on Wednesday, 18 October, at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Auditorium at 3:30 p.m. Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara will deliver the keynote speech. Other speakers and panellists would be, Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment Advisor Shan Yahampath, Joint Apparel Association Forum Secretary General Yohan Lawrence, and Free Trade Zone Manufacturers’ Association Chairman Dhammika Fernando. The forum will be moderated by Shippers’ Academy Colombo CEO Rohan Masakorala.

Interested parties may contact the Shippers’ Academy Colombo on 077-3820703 or 0113560844; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.sjippersacademy.lk.