he symbolic deposit of the ratification instrument of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Protocol of 2014 (P-29) to the Forced Labour Convention by the government took place yesterday at the centenary celebrations of ILO.The event was graced by the President, Maithripala Sirisena and the Minister of Labour and Trade Union Relations, Ravindra Samaraweera.
The ILO’s Forced Labour protocol (P-29) obliges states to criminalise and prosecute work that is done involuntarily and under coercion, and to take effective measures for its prevention. The countries which ratify P-29 are also required to provide victims with protection and access to remedies, including compensation.
“Sri Lanka is the first country from South Asia and the only second country of Asia – Pacific region to ratify this convention,” said ILO country director for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Simrin Sing.Joining in 1948, right after the independence, lots of work has been done in Sri Lanka when it comes to the world of work. The progress spans from law, policy and practice. Topics including disability inclusion, gender equality promotion, creation of jobs for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), labour migration and hired labour elimination were covered and given assistance by the ILO to the budding entrepreneurs and businesses in Sri Lanka. “Thus, Sri Lanka’s journey with the ILO has been a rich one with a history of 71 years,” she said.
