The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, first, a clarification. An Opposition MP asked whether we are calling doctors “thieves.” We have never called doctors thieves. We value the exceptional service provided by doctors, nurses, and all health workers—especially during the economic crisis and the pandemic. We only call thieves “thieves,” including those facing grave charges in the Supreme Court. Attempts to mislead the public are regrettable.

¶ 02 Under the Labour Ministry’s Votes, I wish to focus on labour law reforms. The Minister has stated the draft reform will be reviewed by a committee. Please share the current status during your reply.

¶ 03 Historically, the 2023 draft emerged under then Minister Manusha Nanayakkara with a decidedly anti-labour and anti-trade union approach. Proper tripartite consensus—unions, government, and employers—is the international standard for labour reforms. However, reforms were advanced without adequate stakeholder consultation or proper use of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC), which has existed since 1994. Trade unions strongly objected to being sidelined.

¶ 04 We appreciate that after the current Minister’s appointment, the Ministry promptly reconvened the NLAC after about 18 months of inactivity. The NLAC is the forum for unions to contribute to policy and reform.

¶ 05 One justification advanced for the earlier reform drive was low female labour force participation (around 30 percent), with even the IMF noting Sri Lanka’s low female participation. However, policy must properly address the care economy that constrains women’s paid work—childcare, eldercare, care of the sick—unpaid but essential. “Women go to work after finishing work at home” captures the dual burden. Proper recognition of the care economy via maternity leave/benefits, childcare/day-care centres, and supportive policies is critical. The previous reform draft did not adequately recognize or support the care economy.

¶ 06 Therefore, I respectfully request that in reviewing and advancing labour reforms, the Ministry prioritizes policies enabling women’s participation by recognizing and supporting unpaid care work. That will meaningfully improve women’s contribution to the formal, paid economy. Thank you.