- Deputy Min. says only post-open talks with TUs/employers/public
- Cabinet paper sent for pre-approval observations, stakeholders’ committee nominated to study amendments to existing laws or new legal framework
In the wake of allegations by trade unions (TUs) and civil society groups that the current Government is attempting to revive controversial labour law reforms proposed by the previous administration, the Ministry of Labour stated that any labour law reforms will be introduced only after open discussions with TUs, employers, and the general public.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe said that a Cabinet paper has only just been submitted to begin discussions on drafting a new Labour Bill, and that it is still under review. “The Cabinet paper hasn’t been approved yet. It’s just been sent for observations. But, some are already accusing us of trying to reintroduce the same Bill that the last Government tried to pass. That’s not what’s happening,” the deputy minister pointed out.
He further said that a committee composed of the relevant stakeholders has also been nominated to study possible amendments to existing labour laws or to draft a new Bill altogether. “Nothing has been finalised yet. We haven’t even decided if it should be a single Bill or multiple Bills that we should bring in. All these decisions will be made once the committee starts meeting,” he added.
Speaking further, Jayasinghe said that both options – revising existing laws or introducing an entirely new framework – are being considered. “The previous Government drafted a Bill without consulting anyone. We are not doing that. We will be holding discussions with TUs, employers, and the general public before anything is done,” Jayasinghe assured.
TUs representing various sectors and civil society organisations have been accusing the current Government of preparing to introduce the same labour law reforms that were proposed during the previous Government led by then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe.