Sri Lanka's Parliament has passed legislation that significantly raises fines for breaches of employment protections, with penalties increasing tenfold under the updated law.
Parliament approved the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill without requiring a vote, following an extended debate session that lasted approximately six hours. The parliamentary discussion took place from mid-morning until early evening on the day of passage, according to the Department of Communication of Parliament.
The amendment modifies the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act No. 47 of 1956, substantially increasing financial penalties for violations. Under the revised legislation, fines for offences have been raised from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 100,000, representing a tenfold increase in the penalty structure.
The change aims to strengthen enforcement of employment protections for vulnerable groups and deter non-compliance with existing labour standards. The lengthy Second Reading debate suggests the measure received substantive parliamentary consideration before its passage.
