Addressing the 105th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva on 09th June 2016, Minister of Labour and Trade Union Relations W.D.J. Seneviratne has elaborated on the initiatives made by Sri Lanka on the ‘Decent Work Programme’, including the “historical initiative of ‘National Minimum Wages Act No. 3 of 2016’ by which for the first time in the country a mandatory national monthly minimum wage was fixed payable to all workers by all employers in the country”.
While commending the initiatives taken by the ILO and its constituents towards the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Minister Seneviratne appreciated the assistance extended by the ILO country office to Sri Lanka in a number of areas including the formulation of a National Labour Migration Policy for Sri Lanka; National Road Map for Youth Employment; Livelihood recovery and employment creation in conflict and disaster affected areas; automation of Labour Administration System; promoting fundamental principles and Rights at Work in Export Processing Zones (EPZ); translation of International Labour Standards in to Domestic Courts through Labour Tribunal and Affiliate Jurisdiction.
On the side – lines of the ILC, the Minister also held discussion with Mr. Bandaru Dattatreya Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment of India which focused on strengthening the relations between the Ministries of Labour of both countries, and to share best practices.
State Minister of Labour and Trade Union Relations Mr. Ravindra Samaraweera who attended the first week of the meeting along with Secretary Mr. Gotabayaha Jayarathne, met with the UAE Minister of Human resources & Emiratisation Mr. Saqr Ghobash, on the side lines of the Conference.
Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, the Commissioner General of Labour Mrs. Chulani Amaratunga, Senior Assistant Secretary of Ministry of Labour & Trade Unions and other officials from the Ministry as well as of Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva were associated with the Ministers during their meetings. In addition to the Government representatives, the tripartite Sri Lanka delegation also included representatives of trade unions and employer organisations in Sri Lanka.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva
13 June 2016
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