Approximately Two Thousand Non-Fatal Workplace Accidents Occur Annually – Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe

Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe, stated that approximately 2,000 non-fatal occupational accidents occur in workplaces each year, while the number of fatal accidents ranges between 60 and 80. He made this remark while attending a program in Ja-Ela – Ekala.

In line with the Clean Sri Lanka programme implemented by the government, to foster a conducive environment in every workplace, the inaugural programme of the special awareness programme series, titled “Safety for All”, targeting small and medium scale factories, jointly organized by the Department of Labour, Shrama Vasana Fund and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, the institutes which come under the scope of the Ministry of Labour, was held on 14th February  2025 at the NERD Institute premises, Ekala, Ja-Ela.

The Deputy Minister further elaborated, stating:

The current government is committed to fostering a safe and healthy working environment. That is why we are launching the ‘Safety for All’ programme island wide, with today marking the first event in this initiative. Workplace accidents resulting from inadequate occupational safety have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the economy but also society as a whole. Therefore, we are taking every possible measure to enhance workplace safety and protect lives.

During this programme, arrangements were made to conduct a medical camp to diagnose diseases of small and medium-scale factory workers, an awareness programme on occupational safety and health for factory workers, an awareness programme on occupational safety and health for students undergoing vocational training, and a practical training programme on first aid for factory workers.

The programme commenced at 9 a.m., with the Ministry of Labour emphasizing that the current government’s goal is to foster a social dialogue on occupational safety and health. Through various promotional initiatives, the government aims to instill a strong safety culture in every workplace across the country.

The programme was also attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Labour, Mr.S.M. Piyatissa; Commissioner General of Labour, Mr. Ashoka Jayasundara; Acting Director General of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Mr. E. Abeysiriwardena; and General Manager of the Shrama Vasana Fund, D.R. Jayalath.