The Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando has reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a better working environment for Sri Lanka’s labour force. This was conveyed when Labour Minister Fernando met with the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo yesterday (08), according to a statement by the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development.
The Labour Minister departed for Geneva, Switzerland on Sunday (07) to participate in the “114th Session of the International Labour Conference” being held from 01 to 12 June 2026. During the meeting, the Minister briefed the Director-General on the broad range of initiatives and reforms being implemented by the government of Sri Lanka to strengthen labour laws and social protection mechanisms in the country.
He also sought the support of the International Labour Organization for these efforts, according to the Ministry of Finance. The Minister further highlighted Sri Lanka’s recent ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 (C190) concerning violence and harassment in the world of work. He noted that the government has already taken steps to introduce the necessary legal provisions required for its implementation.
In addition, the Minister stated that the government is considering ratifying Convention No. 188 (C188) on Work in Fishing, with the objective of ensuring decent working conditions for workers engaged in the fisheries sector. Meanwhile, Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo commended the commitment demonstrated by the Government of Sri Lanka and its recent efforts to align with international labour rights conventions.
He also stated that the International Labour Organization would provide the necessary technical assistance to support these initiatives in the future, the statement added.