Cabinet approves ratification of ILO Fishing Industry Convention

Wednesday, 22 July 2026 07:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved a joint proposal to ratify the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Convention (188) on work in the fishing industry, paving the way for new regulations to improve standards in the sector.

The convention, adopted at the 96th International Labour Conference in 2007, sets benchmarks for decent working conditions, access to medical care, health facilities, and safety for fishing communities.

Sri Lanka’s fishing industry, which employs over 315,000 workers, continues to operate at a basic level due to its traditional practices and faces significant challenges in occupational safety, health, and service conditions.

Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said ratification of Convention 188 will help introduce internationally recognised standards to address these issues. The approval allows regulations to be implemented, as a preliminary step toward establishing the standards required under the convention.

The proposal was presented jointly by the Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Ocean Resources Minister and the Labour Minister.