The Labour Ministry yesterday revealed that 15 trade union representatives had been consulted on the need to reform laws so far and further public consultations are slated for 24 and 31 May to make it an inclusive process. 

The objective is to introduce a fair and inclusive legal framework that addresses the evolving needs of the workforce while promoting economic growth hence the Labour Ministry has invited all stakeholders and interested parties to provide their valuable inputs and perspectives on the proposed labour law reforms.

It stressed that active participation in this important process of labour law reform will play a significant role in shaping the future of labour legislation in Sri Lanka.

The parties consulted so far include Free Trade Zone and General Services Employees Union Joint Secretary Anton Marcus, Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya General Secretary Leslie Devendra, , United Federation of Labour (Commercial and Industrial Workers Union) Deputy General Secretary Swasthika Arulingam, National Union of Seafarers Sri Lanka President Palitha Atukorale, The Ceylon Mercantile, Industrial and General Workers Union (CMU) General Secretary S.P. Nathan, The Ceylon Mercantile, Industrial and General Workers Union (CMU) Deputy General Secretary Peter Almeida, Ceylon Estates Staffs’ Union Nishantha Wanniarachchi, Free Trade Zone and General Services Employees Union S.V. Liyanaarachchi, Ceylon Federation of Trade Unions Assistant General Secretary U. Chaminda Perera, Inter Company Employees Union General Secretary Janaka Adhikari, Ceylon Workers Congress Assistant Secretary Barath Arullsamy, Ceylon Bank Employees’ Union President Channa Sirinath Dissanayake, CESU General Secretary Robert Francis, CESU -Deputy General Secretary D. Wijegunaratne, and Joint Plantation Trade Union Centre S. Murugaiyah .

The Labour Ministry also said a public notice in three leading national newspapers was published in all three languages calling for input from interested parties in labour law reforms. 

Interested parties are requested to submit their inputs in writing by 30 May 2023. The submissions should be sent via email to [email protected] or by post to the Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment, 6th Floor, Mehewara Piyesa, Narahenpita, Colombo 05. Please include full name of the individual or organisation making the submission and contact details, including postal address, email address, and telephone number.

National Labour Advisory Council reconstituted