News

The Decent Work Country Program (DWCP) 2026–2032, aimed at promoting decent work and further strengthening Sri Lanka’s labour and employment sector, was signed today (30) by the Government of Sri Lanka, the International Labour Organization (ILO), employers’ organizations and trade unions.

 The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Labour Anil Jayantha Fernando, with Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe also in attendance. Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator, and Joni Simpson, ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, together with representatives of key stakeholders, also participated in the event.

 The Program provides a common framework for strengthening cooperation among the Government, employers, workers and the ILO over the next six years.

 Promoting productive employment opportunities, protecting workers’ rights, expanding social protection, strengthening effective labour governance and promoting social dialogue are among the key priorities of the Program.

 The Program was developed through an extensive consultative process with technical support from the ILO. The process commenced in 2024 with a review of the previous DWCP, followed by consultations with key stakeholders. The National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) also served as an important platform for obtaining the views of workers’ and employers’ representatives.

 Developed in consideration of Sri Lanka’s evolving economic and labour market conditions, the new DWCP places particular emphasis on creating better employment opportunities, strengthening labour market institutions, improving access to social protection, and creating a safe, fair and inclusive working environment.

 The Program is also aligned with the development priorities of the Government’s national policy framework, “A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life.” It seeks to link the labour sector with national objectives such as building a productive economy, creating better opportunities for people, promoting inclusive development and improving the quality of life of citizens.

 Addressing the event, Minister of Labour Anil Jayantha Fernando emphasized that economic growth and decent work should progress together, and that the Government, employers and workers share a collective responsibility to create a productive, inclusive and safe working environment.

 All parties reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the DWCP 2026–2032 through continued social dialogue, consultation and monitoring of progress.

 Accordingly, the Decent Work Country Program 2026–2032 will serve as a practical framework for creating better employment opportunities, strengthening labour protection and contributing to sustainable socio-economic development in Sri Lanka.

 Secretary to the Ministry of Labour, Mr. S. M. Piyatissa, and Commissioner General of Labour, Ms. Nadeeka Wataliyadda, also attended the event, along with a group of employer and employee representatives representing the National Labour Advisory Council.