The Government has appointed a 17-member committee to work on proposed amendments to Sri Lanka's labour laws, according to Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe.
Jayasinghe said the committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Labour.
Preliminary drafts shared
The Deputy Minister said several preliminary drafts relating to the proposed reforms have already been provided to trade unions represented in the National Labour Advisory Council.
He said broader discussions with trade unions are expected as the reform process progresses.
Details of reforms still unclear
Labour-law reform can have significant implications for employees, employers, trade unions and industrial relations.
However, the currently available announcement does not provide sufficient detail to establish precisely which substantive employment rights or obligations will ultimately be amended.
The appointment of the committee therefore marks the beginning or continuation of a reform process rather than the enactment of new labour rules.
Consultation will be important
Consultation with trade unions and other affected parties will be important as draft proposals develop.
Any eventual legislative changes would also have to proceed through the applicable legal and parliamentary processes.