IMF has not called for labour law reforms claims: Manusha

• Says IMF nor any organisation has formulated the new labour laws as claimed by critics
• Promises to implement new reforms to prevent discrimination and harassment in workplace
• However Workers Struggle Centre maintains proposals are IMF mandated

Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara this week denied allegations that the Government’s newly proposed labour law reforms were enacted or proposed by the International Monetary Fund or any other similar organisation.

The Minister made these claims while presenting the Ministry’s latest proposals to introduce new labour laws to Sri Lanka at the Ministry premises.

 “Some believed were merely presenting a document prepared by a random person,” he said. The Minister said the IMF nor any other international organisation had requested the Sri Lankan Government to enact new labour laws.

“Neither did they request or formulate any such laws themselves as claimed by some,” he noted. 

The Minister said among the new reforms, legislation will be introduced to prevent discrimination and any form of harassment including sexual harassment in the workplace. Other proposals include implementing a five-day work week as employees choose and flexible work shifts. Legal reforms will also include part-time work while night shift regulations for female workers will also be relaxed.

“We will also introduce paternity leave for fathers. There must be left for fathers. It will not be three months but they will receive some form of leave under new laws,” he said.

However, Workers Struggle Center, Propaganda Secretary Duminda Nagamuwa yesterday expressed his doubts about the Minister’s claims. “Where did these proposals that were not with the Ministry till recently suddenly crop up from?” he asked. He said the ‘IMF puppet’ Government is attempting to introduce reforms mandated by the IMF.