The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Labour to amend the amount of the minimum fine mentioned in Sections 7(3), 13(2) and 20(a)(3) of the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act, No. 47 of 1956 with regard to underage and hazardous employment.

The employment of children under 16 years has been totally prohibited by the said Act, and as per the provisions of the said Act, regulations to be adhered to by employers have been imposed in regard to engaging youth more than 16 years but less than 18. According to the Act, the engagement of children within the given age limits and youth in dangerous employment that may damage their health, security, and ethics is a crime subject to penalty. 

Provisions have been introduced to impose a penalty of imposing either a fine of not more than Rs. 10,000 and/or a term of imprisonment of not more than 12 months as given by a court to a person found guilty, along with financial compensation for the child.