Workshop for ILO constituents on mediation and conciliation

From left: United Federation of Labour International Secretary Wijepala Weerakoon, ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Donglin Li, US Embassy for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Economic Officer Peter Zirnite, Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association Representative Yohan Lawrence, Supreme Court of Sri Lanka Former Judge Justice Suresh Chandra and Department of Labour Deputy Commissioner of Labour – Industrial Relations P.W.M.G. Wickramasinghe

International Labour Organisation’s Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives conducted a two-day training program on mediation and conciliation for the ILO constituents on 17 and 18 September in Colombo.

The program focussing on Communication, Negotiation, Mediation and Conciliation also contained an in-depth discussion on gender sensitisation of the mediation process. Throughout the program emphasis was laid on the practical implementation of concepts and processes through the use of group work and role play.

The program was conducted by a renowned panel of experts, namely Gotabaya Dassanayake, retired Senior Employers’ Specialist of the ILO, Suresh Chandra former Judge of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka and Shyama Salgado, National Program Coordinator of the ILO Project Promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

Speaking at the inauguration of this event, ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Donglin Li stated that, “The strength of any institution is not measured by the absence of conflict but rather by the ways in which conflict is addressed and resolved. In fact, conflict resolution can be used as a catalyst for change within an organisation leading to stronger relationships, improved workflows and higher efficiency.” Representing the Embassy of the United States for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Peter Zirnite stated that, “Active listening is an art form and essential for effective conflict resolution. It is more than just waiting for an opportunity to speak.” The program was attended by over 40 participants that included trade union members, department of labour officials, Employers’ Federation of Ceylon and human resources managers from the apparel sector.