By The Pulseline News Desk
The Government has moved to strengthen legal protections relating to the employment of women, young persons, and children by approving amendments to significantly increase monetary penalties imposed for violations under existing labour laws.
Cabinet approval has been granted to revise the fines stipulated under the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act No. 47 of 1956, with authorities stating that the current penalties are outdated and no longer serve as an effective deterrent against labour-related offences.
The decision follows a policy approval granted by the Cabinet on September 3, 2025, aimed at modernising the legal framework governing labour protections and ensuring that penalties reflect present-day economic realities.
Under the proposed amendments, fines specified in Sections 7(3), 13(2), and 20(a)(3) of the Act will be increased from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 100,000. Officials say the revision is intended to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and encourage greater compliance with labour regulations concerning women, young persons, and children employed in various sectors.
The draft legislation has already been prepared by the Legal Draftsman in all three languages and has received clearance from the Attorney General. The Government now plans to publish the amendment Bill in the Government Gazette before presenting it to Parliament for approval.
Labour sector observers say the move reflects growing concern over the adequacy of existing labour laws in addressing modern workplace conditions and protecting vulnerable groups from exploitation, unsafe working environments, and unlawful employment practices.
Although the original legislation has remained a key component of Sri Lanka’s labour protection framework for decades, critics have long argued that many of the financial penalties contained in the Act had lost their effectiveness due to inflation and changing economic conditions. In some cases, labour rights advocates say the low fines failed to discourage violations, particularly among larger employers and businesses.
The proposed increase in penalties is expected to strengthen the authority of labour inspectors and improve compliance among employers. Analysts note that stronger enforcement provisions are increasingly necessary as labour markets evolve and concerns grow over informal employment, workplace abuse, and the protection of underage workers.
The reforms also come amid broader discussions on modernising Sri Lanka’s labour legislation to align with international labour standards and evolving workplace practices. Labour rights organisations have repeatedly called for stronger legal safeguards, particularly in sectors where women and young workers are considered vulnerable to exploitation.
Government officials maintain that the amendments are part of ongoing efforts to improve labour governance and ensure that legal protections remain effective in the current economic environment.
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