Parliament passes amended labour law protecting women and young workers

Parliament has passed the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill, marking a legislative update to the country's labour framework governing vulnerable worker populations. The amendments are designed to enhance existing protections and modernise provisions governing employment practices affecting these groups.

The bill's passage reflects ongoing efforts to align Sri Lanka's labour standards with contemporary workplace conditions and international conventions. The amendments address various aspects of employment for women, young workers below legal employment age thresholds, and children, updating regulations that govern their participation in the workforce.

Labour law amendments in Sri Lanka typically focus on establishing minimum standards for working hours, safety conditions, wages and access to social protections. The revised legislation is expected to provide clearer guidelines for employers and strengthen enforcement mechanisms protecting these worker categories from exploitation and unsafe working conditions.

The approved amendments will now move toward implementation, with relevant government agencies responsible for communicating updated requirements to employers and workers across the country.