Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne today (08) endorsed the certificate on the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill.

The Bill, which amends the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act No. 47 of 1956, was passed by Parliament on 20 August after being presented by the Minister of Labour.

The amendment seeks to increase fines for offences under the Act to reflect current socio-economic conditions. The Act prohibits the employment of children under 16 years of age.

Accordingly, the maximum fine for offences under the Act has been increased from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 100,000.

The legislation will come into force as the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Act No. 21 of 2026.