On frontlines of crisis: Time to recognise domestic workers as essential workers in Sri Lanka

Monday, 16 June 2025 01:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The informality of their work puts them at risk of exploitation, without recourse or recognition

Domestic workers deserve legal protection, respect and decent work

Today, on Domestic Workers’ Day, we mark 14 years since the adoption of ILO Convention No. 189 on Domestic Workers — a landmark global commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of those who perform paid work in private households. It affirmed a fundamental truth: domestic workers are workers, and they deserve protections, fair wages, and respect — just like any other profession.

Yet this recognition remains elusive for many domestic workers around the world and in Sri Lanka.

The multiple crises of our era — economic hardship, climate shocks, public health emergencies, and widening inequality — have only underscored the essential nature of domestic work. This labour, often invisible and undervalued, is in fact the foundation that keeps families, communities, and economies functioning. During disasters, domestic workers are frequently the ones who step up quietly — cleaning, caregiving, and ensuring the continuity of daily life, even at personal cost.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic workers faced significant challenges. In Sri Lanka, as in many other countries in the region, many domestic workers experienced job loss or were unable to return home due to mobility restrictions. While their contributions remained essential, they were often not included in official response efforts or formal labour protections since they are not fully protected under the law.

Even today, although care work is increasingly recognised as critical, many domestic workers in Sri Lanka still lack written contracts, defined working hours, or guaranteed rest days. Few are enrolled in social protection schemes. The informality of their work puts them at risk of exploitation, without recourse or recognition.

But there is reason for hope.

On Domestic Workers’ Day, the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Sri Lanka will launch a Standard Employment Contract for Domestic Workers — a milestone initiative designed as a tool for advocacy and action. This standard contract is intended to help clarify the employment relationship between domestic workers and their employers, set out basic terms and conditions, and raise awareness about the rights and responsibilities of each party.

This initiative contributes to a broader agenda of promoting decent work — an agenda rooted in social justice and inclusion. It aligns with the principles of ILO Convention 189 and sends a strong message: domestic workers are essential workers, and they deserve legal protection, respect and decent work.

Finally, it calls on the public to act—make it the norm to use the Standard Employment Contract and uphold justice, dignity, and decent work for every domestic worker in Sri Lanka.

(The writer is the Director for the International Labour Organization Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The International Labour Organization is the only Specialised Agency of the United Nations for the world of work, promoting decent work and social justice for all, through tripartite social dialogue and setting labour standards.)

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.

On frontlines of crisis: Time to recognise domestic workers as essential workers in Sri Lanka

Recent columns

COMMENTS