Sri Lanka has formally ratified the ILO Convention 190 on the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work, marking a significant step toward strengthening workplace protections.
Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake, deposited the instrument of ratification with Gilbert F. Houngbo, officially confirming the country’s commitment to the convention.
In his statement, the Ambassador said the ratification demonstrates Sri Lanka’s commitment to ensuring a workplace free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence, and reaffirmed the government’s goal of promoting dignity and respect in employment settings.
He also noted that Sri Lanka is taking steps to amend existing labour laws to incorporate the provisions of the convention and ensure its effective implementation.
Welcoming the move, the ILO Director-General said the ratification reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to placing dignity, equality, and respect at the centre of the world of work. He added that this is an important step toward creating safer and healthier working environments.
The ILO further confirmed its readiness to support Sri Lanka in aligning its national legal and institutional framework with the requirements of the convention.
Convention No. 190 is the first international treaty dedicated to preventing and addressing violence and harassment in workplaces, offering a comprehensive and gender-responsive framework for protecting workers and promoting safe working conditions.
With this ratification, Sri Lanka has now ratified a total of 44 ILO conventions and one protocol, with 31 conventions and the protocol currently in force.
