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Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, emphasized that ensuring the health and safety of workers should not be regarded merely as a legal requirement, but as a fundamental responsibility based on humanity, workers’ rights, and the value of labour. He stressed the importance of building a safety culture across the country.

The Minister made these remarks this morning (14) at the inaugural ceremony of the National Occupational Safety and Health Week Conference, held at the Department of Labour, Narahenpita.

Highlighting that worker health and safety is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour or the Department of Labour, the Minister noted that employers, employees, and all sectors of society must collectively engage in this effort. He pointed out that some institutions adopt safety measures only to comply with legal requirements, but stressed that the value of human life must be prioritized beyond such compliance.

The Minister further observed that in certain business decisions, comparisons are made between the cost of preventing accidents and the compensation paid after accidents occur. He emphasized that in such decisions, human life, workers’ rights, and human dignity must take precedence over economic gain.

Drawing attention to practices in developed countries such as Japan, where workplace safety and ethical production are given high importance, the Minister explained that such standards have evolved through long-term experience, social engagement, and policy reforms. He added that to ensure institutions investing in worker safety are not placed at a disadvantage in competitive markets, all institutions must adhere to common standards and responsibilities.

The Minister also addressed the environmental and social impacts arising from climate change, noting that such challenges cannot be resolved by a single country or institution, but require collective intervention at both national and global levels. He stressed that economically vulnerable communities suffer the greatest impact from environmental disasters and natural hazards, and therefore policies must give equal attention to environmental protection and social justice.

He further stated that knowledge of safety procedures alone is insufficient; such knowledge must be reflected in individuals’ daily behaviour, habits, and lifestyles. A healthy environment, he explained, is not limited to the workplace but encompasses the entire lifestyle, including dietary practices.

Speaking on the government’s economic programme, the Minister noted that as a country facing economic challenges, Sri Lanka has adopted a series of policy measures based on discipline, commitment, and collective responsibility to restore stability. He emphasized that the results of policy decisions are not always visible in the short term, and that beyond infrastructure projects such as roads and buildings, governments must also implement policies that deliver long-term social and economic benefits.

The Minister highlighted that the outcomes of policy measures taken over the past two years are gradually reaching the people, while international confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic programme continues to strengthen. Referring to observations made by institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, he stressed that despite external challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and global conflicts, collective commitment is essential to maintain economic stability.

He underscored that expenditure on occupational safety should not be considered an additional cost, but rather an investment in the lives of workers and the future of institutions. Enhancing workplace safety, he explained, increases worker efficiency and productivity, while reducing losses caused by accidents, property damage, production disruptions, and related financial setbacks.

Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando concluded by stating that the government’s aspiration is to build a society that respects humanity, values labour, and ensures healthy and safe workplaces. He called upon employers, employees, and all stakeholders to work together with dedication to achieve this goal.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister of Labour, Mr. Mahinda Jayasinghe, stressed that occupational safety should not be limited to fulfilling legal requirements, but must become a permanent culture in every workplace. He noted that in recent times, Sri Lanka has witnessed workplace-related incidents, including fires, which have resulted in the loss of valuable lives.

Citing International Labour Organization (ILO) reports, the Deputy Minister stated that globally, more than 300,000 workers lose their lives annually due to occupational accidents, while nearly 370 million workers face non-fatal occupational injuries. According to data presented by the Department of Labour, approximately 80 workers in Sri Lanka lose their lives annually due to workplace accidents, while around 2,000 workers suffer non-fatal injuries. He emphasized that occupational safety should not be confined to a single day or week, but must be continuously prioritized, especially in light of new challenges posed by climate change.

The Deputy Minister also pointed out that in some workplaces, workers use protective equipment only when officials or inspectors visit, and abandon such practices once inspections conclude. He stressed: “Protective equipment must be used not to impress officials or pass inspections, but to safeguard one’s own life and health. Deceiving enforcement officers does not guarantee worker safety. Occupational safety must become an essential part of daily workplace operations.”

He further emphasized that both employers and employees bear significant responsibility in ensuring workplace safety. Installing protective equipment or meeting legal requirements alone is not sufficient; genuine commitment and active participation from all parties are essential.

The Deputy Minister added that the responsibility of state institutions should not be limited to enforcing laws, but must extend to implementing broad programmes in collaboration with employers, employees, trade unions, and relevant government agencies. He noted that while various programmes are organized during National Occupational Safety and Health Week, such efforts will not yield expected results unless safety measures are continuously implemented in workplaces.

“Our goal should not only be to reduce the number of occupational accidents annually, but to eliminate them altogether. We must strive towards the target of Zero Accidents. Although challenging, this goal can be achieved through the sincere commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders,” the Deputy Minister emphasized.

The conference, held in parallel with National Occupational Safety and Health Week, included awareness lectures, question-and-answer sessions, and discussions on occupational safety across different sectors.

The event was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Labour, Mr. S. M. Piyatissa; Commissioner General of Labour, Ms. Nadeeka Wataliyadda; and a large number of officials engaged in occupational safety and health activities representing workplaces across eight provinces.