Sri Lanka, ILO, employers and trade unions sign Decent Work Country Programme 2026–2032

The Government of Sri Lanka, the International Labour Organization (ILO), employers’ organizations and trade unions signed the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2026–2032 last Wednesday (30). The programme is aimed at promoting decent work and further strengthening Sri Lanka’s labour and employment sector.

The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Labour Anil Jayantha Fernando. Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe also attended, as did Secretary to the Ministry of Labour S. M. Piyatissa and Commissioner General of Labour Nadeeka Wataliyadda. United Nations Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche and ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Joni Simpson participated, together with representatives of key stakeholders and employer and employee representatives of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC).

The programme provides a common framework for strengthening cooperation among the Government, employers, workers and the ILO over the next six years. Its key priorities include promoting productive employment opportunities, protecting workers’ rights, expanding social protection, strengthening effective labour governance and promoting social dialogue.

The DWCP was developed through an extensive consultative process with technical support from the ILO. The process commenced in 2024 with a review of the previous DWCP, followed by consultations with key stakeholders. The NLAC also served as an important platform for obtaining the views of workers’ and employers’ representatives.

Prepared in consideration of Sri Lanka’s evolving economic and labour market conditions, the new DWCP places particular emphasis on creating better employment opportunities, strengthening labour market institutions, improving access to social protection, and creating a safe, fair and inclusive working environment.

The programme is aligned with the development priorities of the Government’s national policy framework, “A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life.” It seeks to link the labour sector with national objectives such as building a productive economy, creating better opportunities for people, promoting inclusive development and improving the quality of life of citizens.

Addressing the event, Fernando emphasized that economic growth and decent work should progress together and stressed the collective responsibility of the Government, employers and workers to create a productive, inclusive and safe working environment.

All parties reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the DWCP 2026–2032 through continued social dialogue, consultation and progress monitoring. The programme will serve as a practical framework for creating better employment opportunities, strengthening labour protection and contributing to sustainable socio-economic development in Sri Lanka.