Parliament today (22 July) passed three significant labour-related bills with overwhelming support, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to improving wage protections for workers across Sri Lanka.
The bills passed include:
- Budgetary Relief Allowance of Workers (Amendment) Bill – 2005 Act
- Second Reading: 182 votes in favour, none against
- Third Reading (post-committee stage): 181 votes in favour, none against
- Budgetary Relief Allowance of Workers (Amendment) Bill – 2016 Act
- Second Reading: 180 votes in favour, none against
- Third Reading: 181 votes in favour, none against
- National Minimum Wage for Workers (Amendment) Bill
- Passed with amendments and without a vote
The Budgetary Relief Allowance of Workers Acts (2005 and 2016) were amended to revise and streamline the existing provisions related to wage allowances granted to workers, particularly in the context of economic challenges and inflationary pressures.
The National Minimum Wage for Workers (Amendment) Bill was also passed to update the legal minimum wage thresholds, helping ensure a baseline standard of living for all workers across sectors. The bill’s passage without objection reflects bipartisan support for strengthening workers’ rights.
Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara previously stated that these legislative changes are part of the Government’s broader agenda to improve wage equity, promote decent work conditions, and support low-income employees across the country.
