By: Staff Writer
April 19, Colombo (LNW): In a significant step at the international labour governance level, Sri Lanka has formally ratified the International Labour Organization’s Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work. The instrument of ratification was deposited in Geneva by Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake, with the Director-General of the International Labour Organization, Gilbert F. Houngbo. The move signals Colombo’s stated intention to strengthen protections for workers and align domestic labour standards with emerging global norms addressing workplace safety and dignity.
Speaking at the time of deposit, Ambassador Dassanayake emphasized that the decision reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring a work environment free from all forms of violence and harassment, including gender-based abuse. He noted that the Convention reinforces the right of every individual to participate in employment free from intimidation, coercion, and discriminatory conduct. The Ambassador further underlined that Sri Lanka views the ratification as part of a broader policy direction aimed at promoting dignity and respect across all sectors of employment.
Following ratification, the Government is expected to initiate amendments to existing labour legislation in order to give full domestic effect to the Convention’s provisions. These reforms are anticipated to strengthen complaint mechanisms, expand preventive frameworks within workplaces, and establish clearer accountability standards for employers and institutions. Officials have indicated that a “zero tolerance” approach to violence and harassment will be integrated into national labour policy, requiring both public and private sector compliance.
The International Labour Organization’s Convention No. 190, adopted in 2019, is recognized as the first global treaty specifically designed to address violence and harassment in the workplace. It is accompanied by Recommendation No. 206, which provides detailed guidance on implementation, including risk prevention, enforcement mechanisms, and support systems for victims. Together, they establish a comprehensive framework that covers not only employees but also interns, job seekers, and other persons in the world of work.
Sri Lanka’s ratification adds to its long-standing engagement with the ILO system. With this latest step, the country has now ratified a total of 44 ILO Conventions and one Protocol, with 31 of those Conventions currently in force domestically. Observers note that the latest ratification may require significant institutional coordination to ensure compliance, particularly in sectors where informal labour practices remain prevalent.
The Government has stated that the implementation process will involve consultations with social partners, including employer organizations and trade unions, to ensure that legal reforms are both practical and enforceable.
Analysts suggest that while ratification marks a policy milestone, the effectiveness of implementation will depend on enforcement capacity within labour inspectorates, awareness among employers, and accessibility of reporting mechanisms for workers, particularly in the informal sector. Gender rights advocates have also emphasized the importance of survivor-centric complaint systems and protection against retaliation. The government’s forthcoming amendments will therefore be closely monitored by stakeholders to assess whether commitments translate into measurable workplace protections.