The Ministry of Labour has announced plans to consolidate 12 existing labour acts into four, introducing modern provisions for flexible working hours, digitalisation, and women’s employment.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Secretary to the Labour Ministry, S.M. Piyatissa said the current legal landscape, which comprises approximately 50 acts enacted across different time periods, has become a labyrinth of inconsistencies that fails to address contemporary workplace challenges.

“These acts have been implemented during different time periods, and even on the same matter there are differences when it comes to certain definitions. Some of these acts are very old. They should be reformed because they do not provide answers to newer conditions. Industries have changed, and the opinions and requirements of the people have also changed," he said. 

Among the approximately 50 labour-related statutes, he said that the Ministry had identified 14 acts that are most frequently used. "Two acts concerning budgetary relief were incorporated during the recent minimum wage hike. The remaining 12 are to be consolidated into four streamlined pieces of legislation under these reforms."

Piyatissa added the proposed labour reforms would centre on modernisation and increased flexibility. "Key areas under consideration include flexible working hours, the digitalisation of labour administration processes, and specific measures aimed at boosting women’s participation in the workforce."

However, the Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Union (FTZ&GSEU) stated recently that trade unions have requested an opportunity to meet the expert committee that was drafting the proposed labour law reforms, but the Ministry of Labour had not facilitated such a discussion.