EFC wants change in labour laws

To support investment promotion:

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

The Employers Federation of Ceylon (EFC) has made submissions to review labour legislation in Sri Lanka as a budget proposal for the forthcoming budget.

The proposals were submitted to Treasury Secretary Dr PB Jayasundara by EFC Director-General Ravi Peiris recently.

Peiris said the Government's Ten Year Development Horizon Framework identifies flexible labour laws as being one of the key policy directives in terms of its labour policy.

"At a time when Sri Lanka is poised to harvest the benefits of peace in terms of economic development, it is extremely important that the labour legislation framework gives the required support for investment promotion in the country," Peiris said.

The submissions were mainly related to the Shop and Office Employees Act. No. 15, Industrial Dispute Act. No 43, Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act. No 47, Termination of Employment Act. No 45 and the Employees Provident Fund Act. No 15.

The EFC has proposed that the qualifying period for 1/1-2 days paid weekly holidays be 45 hours per week including leave and holidays. An amendment on these lines will assist in permitting better attendance at work and higher productivity.

The EFC has also proposed the prevention of industrial disputes should be introduced through legislation, with mechanisms such as Codes of Conduct and grievance handling procedures given more recognition. To page iv