Colombo – Marking a key milestone in the country’s journey towards creating more safer and inclusive workplaces, a national workshop on the ratification of ILO Convention No. 190, eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work, was jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour, Sri Lanka and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The workshop brought together government across multiple line ministries, as well as tripartite employers’ and workers’ organizations.
Strengthening the current momentum towards C190 ratification, the workshop aimed to discuss and build national consensus on the ratification of C190. Participants engaged in social dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of ratification, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive and coordinated national approach.
Violence and harassment at work remains a pervasive global and national challenge, with over 22 percent of workers worldwide having experienced at least one form of violence or harassment during their working lives.
In 2019, world of work actors came together to adopt ILO Convention No. 190 (C190), the first international treaty to recognize the right of every person to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.
Hon.Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando mentioned that the ratification of C190, aligns with the government policy framework. In “A Thriving Nation A Beautiful Life”, the government has clearly mentioned about revising existing laws and procedures and introducing new laws to ensure protection from violence and harassment particularly in workplaces and public transport. The government has given priority to working population, and is committed to ensure a dignified workplace for all.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Joni Simpson, ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, said “Sri Lanka’s efforts towards C190 ratification shows its strong commitment to social justice and protecting workers’ rights. C190 addresses all forms of work-related violence and harassment, including gender-based and online violence and harassment. This step strengthens enforcement and promotes proactive prevention strategies, ensuring the right to safer, more inclusive workplaces for all, especially those from marginalized groups. The workshop also featured a panel discussion aimed at how trade unions and employers could support for ratification and implementation of C190
Ratifying Convention No.190 would represent a significant step in ensuring the dignity, safety, and equal protection for all workers in Sri Lanka – regardless of sector, employment status, location, whether they work in formal or informal setting or even in non-traditional workspaces. It would also help raise productivity, attract responsible investment, expand women’s employment, reduce social and healthcare costs, and support inclusive economic growth, all while bolstering Sri Lanka’s international reputation for decent work and ethical business practices, sending a strong message-both nationally and internationally- that violence and harassment is unacceptable and must end.