By: Staff Writer
July 25, Colombo (LNW): The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) recently hosted a forum to celebrate International Women’s Day, focusing on the theme “Inspire Inclusion to forge a more inclusive workplace for women.”
The event highlighted the declining participation of women in Sri Lanka’s labor force and emphasized the potential job creation that could result from policies supporting workers with family responsibilities, as noted by the ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Joni Simpson.
In her keynote address, Simpson pointed out that the EFC is well-positioned to promote inclusivity and gender equality in workplaces through various policies and initiatives.
Adhil Khasim, Deputy Director General of EFC, reinforced this by stressing the EFC’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and the importance of creating respectful, discrimination-free workplaces. Khasim noted that the event aimed to raise awareness and share best practices among enterprises.
The panel discussion featured three corporate leaders: Gayani de Alwis, Sandra de Zoysa, and Isuru Gunasekera, who shared insights from their respective companies on fostering inclusive workplaces. The session was moderated by Sonali de Silva, EFC’s Senior Industrial Relations Advisor.
Gayani de Alwis, Vice Chairperson of the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka, and Founding Chairperson and Advisor of WiLAT Sri Lanka, emphasized the need to retain and upskill women in the workforce.
She highlighted the importance of adapting workplace policies to accommodate changing social dynamics, such as increased migration and the need for women to balance careers with caregiving responsibilities. De Alwis also called for better access to career guidance.
Sandra de Zoysa, Group Chief Customer Officer at Dialog Axiata PLC, discussed the vast potential for women in the digital world and the need for the industry to support a younger generation with different expectations.
She stressed the importance of supporting the gig economy and enabling cross-discipline engagement. De Zoysa also noted the significance of flexible work arrangements and continuous education, as well as addressing mental health issues to ensure a productive and happy workforce.
Isuru Gunasekera, Chief People Officer and Head of Group Sustainability at John Keells Holdings PLC, shared best practices from his company, including gender clarity, addressing unconscious biases, mentoring programs, and promoting equal parenting.
He highlighted the company’s initiative of granting 100 days of maternity/paternity leave as a game-changer in championing the role of fathers in childcare.
All panelists agreed on the critical need to reskill the workforce to meet emerging job demands and to have the right narrative by 2030. The EFC’s event showcased the collective effort required to create inclusive workplaces that support women and foster gender equality in Sri Lanka.
