'Govt. focuses on country's economic development'

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

The Government has focussed on the country's economic and social development by implementing new policy directions, said Labour Relations and Manpower Minister Athauda Seneviratne. Delivering the key-note address at the inauguration of the forum on Labour Management, jointly organised by the Asian Productivity Organisation and National Productivity Secretariat.

"Our traditional labour protection perspectives are now balanced targeting economic development through policies and activities related to employment creation and promotion, productivity enhancement and industrial harmony".

The Forum aimed to identify the latest trends, and challenges pertaining to industrial relations and productivity based wage systems and offer practical solutions and strategies to enhance labour-management relationship.

Policies and initiatives under Sri Lanka's future directions for balancing growth and equity in a changing society have been prepared and the initiatives are now being implemented.

Recognising the industrial peace and harmony as the pre condition for economic development, the National Labour Advisory Council which is a tripartite body that represents the Government, employee and employer organisations has been established and the nominated members meet every month to discuss matters of common interest relating to labour issues.

These initiatives have also been extended to the provincial level by establishing 14 provincial Labour Advisory Councils to have dialogue among tripartite members for the purpose of effective and efficient labour management cooperation.

"National Policy for decent work in Sri Lanka has been implemented. Steps have been taken to amend labour laws and other relevant regulations which are not conducive for present economic and social environment," the Minister said.

Labour itself is a basic input as at least a minimum level of labour is required to fuel the production process. It is at the very starting point at the production. The impact of labour management relationship directly influences on productivity, job security and quality of life.