International Labour Conference – ILO

During the Annual International Labour Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, Mr. Manusha Nanayakkara, Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, engaged in a significant discussion with Gilbert F. Houngbo, the ILO Director General. Minister Nanayakkara expressed his appreciation for the 70 percent wage increase for plantation workers, raising their wages to 1,700 rupees.

Director General Houngbo praised Minister Nanayakkara for adhering to the ILO’s social development principles during the wage increase process. This discussion, held on June 10, highlighted several key initiatives and commitments by Sri Lanka to enhance labour market standards and employment conditions.

Minister Nanayakkara outlined ongoing projects and emphasized Sri Lanka’s dedication to improving labour conditions. He discussed the steps taken towards ratifying the ILO C-188 Fisheries Convention and assured that efforts are underway to ratify other crucial conventions, including the Convention on Occupational Safety and Health (C155), the Domestic Workers Convention (C189), and the Workplace Violence and Harassment Convention (C190).

Furthermore, the Minister detailed the upcoming social security system, which aims to provide job loss benefits, maternity benefits, and insurance for workplace accidents. He sought the ILO’s support in strengthening this social security system