Although there have been no reports of job losses due to the economic pressures caused by the ongoing fuel crisis, the Labour Ministry is holding discussions to prepare for possible future impacts on employment, The Daily Morning learns.

Ministry Secretary S.M. Piyatissa told The Daily Morning yesterday (8) that the issue has already been taken up at the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC), which brings together representatives from the Government, employers and employees to review labour-related developments. “For now, there have been no reports of job losses due to the current situation. We discussed this matter at the NLAC. We maintain close discussions with them,” he said.

Even though there has been no negative impact on employment so far, he said that they would continue to engage with the relevant parties including employers and employees to prepare for possible future impacts. "We are discussing what could happen in the future so that we can be prepared."

The concerns come amid economic pressures linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which has affected global fuel supply chains and contributed to fuel-related challenges in several countries, including Sri Lanka.

Earlier, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) had estimated that around 374,000 workers in Sri Lanka were potentially affected by flooding and landslides triggered by cyclone Ditwah, with possible income losses amounting to about United States Dollars 48 million per month. According to the ILO, agriculture and fisheries were among the hardest-hit sectors, with floods affecting up to 23 per cent of rice-cultivating land. In the tea sector, output losses were estimated at up to 35%, with smallholder farmers — who account for around 70% of total tea production — among the most affected.