The Labour Minister has announced plans to implement social protection proposals from the government's policy statement, emphasizing the need for coordinated effort across multiple agencies and stakeholders.
Sri Lanka is preparing to advance its social protection agenda through a comprehensive ten-year national action plan on social care, according to Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando. The minister stated that circumstances now permit the government to move forward with social protection initiatives previously outlined in its policy framework.
The implementation of these proposals will require coordinated efforts across government and civil society, with Dr. Fernando stressing that stakeholder cooperation is fundamental to the plan's success. Multiple ministries are collaborating on the initiative, including those overseeing labour, women's affairs, and children's welfare, reflecting the cross-cutting nature of social protection policy.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is supporting the effort as the technical lead, with ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Joanie Simpson participating in the presentation of the national action plan. The ten-year framework represents a structured approach to strengthening the country's social safety net and care systems.