Sri Lanka to ratify ILO convention on workplace violence: Labour Minister

Tuesday, 11 March 2025 02:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Labour Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando (left) and MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna

Labour Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando on Saturday stated that steps have already been initiated to look into the ratification of the ILO Convention No. 190 on eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work for Sri Lanka.

He made this statement while responding to the Motion at the Adjournment Time moved by Member of Parliament Rohini Kumari Wijerathna representing the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus on 8 March, in line with International Women’s Day, the Parliamentary Communications Department said in a statement.

Further elaborating on the matter, the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha, emphasised that the Government is committed to creating a world of work free from violence and harassment.

He stated that discussions regarding this had taken place during two prior meetings with the representative of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Sri Lanka, the statement added.

Accordingly, he underscored the expectation of everyone’s support in eliminating violence and harassment in the workplace, it added.

During this debate, several Members of Parliament expressed their views on the significance of ILO Convention 190.

Recognising the right of all individuals to a work environment free from violence and harassment based on gender equality, ILO Convention 190 on eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work was adopted on 21 June 2019, during the 108th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

Every member state that ratifies this convention is obligated to commit to ensuring a work environment where all individuals can operate without violence and harassment, the statement highlighted.

The ratification of this convention further affirms the Government’s responsibility to uphold a world of work free from violence and harassment and requires necessary legal enforcement mechanisms to be implemented accordingly.

During the debate, it was highlighted that Sri Lanka’s failure to take the necessary steps to ratify this convention has deprived all individuals, including women in Sri Lanka, of the opportunities and protections provided by it.

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