The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 02 This Adjournment Motion is important because it concerns eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work, thereby enhancing national productivity. As C190 emphasizes, creating, promoting, and enforcing a workplace free of violence and harassment is vital — particularly as women, placed in vulnerable positions by society, are disproportionately affected.

¶ 03 Our Government is committed to this objective. We have already engaged with the ILO Country Director, Ms. Joni Simpson, alongside our Deputy Minister, Secretary, and officials, to develop constructive industrial relations and integrate our people to increase productivity. On 6 March, the ILO, together with our Ministry and several others — including Education, Vocational Education, and Transport — conducted a workshop where violence and harassment, and specifically C190, were discussed, along with other conventions mentioned by the Deputy Minister.

¶ 04 However, law and ratification alone will not suffice. Society must internalize this change. We discussed the definition of violence and harassment under C190 and the importance of awareness programs. If society at large rejects violence and harassment, the workplace issue diminishes correspondingly. The workplace is a focal point due to inherent power asymmetries that can suppress victims through fear of losing jobs and income.

¶ 05 We will act swiftly towards ratification of ILO C190 while fostering a decent working environment in Sri Lanka that respects humanity, particularly women. Women’s labour is undervalued, and unlocking their full contribution requires a safe environment free of violence and coercion. We are dedicated to this path.