Minister of Labour Nimal Siripala de Silva says domestic workers will also be granted labour rights available to the working class including the provisions of the Employees Provident Fund.
Minister de Silva said it is regretful that there are no specific labour laws covering the welfare and security of domestic workers.
Speaking at a discussion with representatives of several rights groups yesterday at the Labour Ministry, the Minister said laws will be enacted to grant labour rights to domestic workers promptly.
The Minister said amendments to relevant Acts in order to establish a Wages Board for domestic workers to grant them eligibility for the EPF and the Employees’ Trust Fund will be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers in the near future.
The Labour Minister added brokers and agencies that promote domestic workers must be banned.
It was revealed during the discussion that nearly 85,000 individuals across the country are currently employed as domestic workers.
