Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) - Sri Lanka (Ratification: 1956)

The Committee notes the brief information provided in the Government's report and the further observations of the Ceylon Workers' Congress (CWC).

Articles 3(2), 6, 7(3), 10, 11 and 16 of the Convention. In its previous comment, the Committee noted the views of the CWC and the Ceylon Federation of Trade Unions that the staff of the inspection services should be increased so that they could properly perform their tasks. In its most recent report, the Government indicated that the staff deployed on labour inspection work had been increased by nearly 100. The CWC considers this inadequate. The CWC also raises the problem of labour inspectors functioning as conciliators.

The Committee recalls the importance of conditions of service for inspection staff which guarantee them stability of employment and independence of improper external influences, as well as the need for adequate training. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate any further measures taken or envisaged to ensure, not only that the number of inspectors is sufficient to secure the effective discharge of the duties of the inspection service, but also that workplaces liable to inspection are inspected as often and as thoroughly as necessary. The Government is asked to provide information on any measures taken or contemplated - perhaps with the cooperation of the ILO - to improve the implementation of the Convention.

In the light of the additional comments of the CWC, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe the operation of labour inspection at the State Mining and Minerals Corporation and the State Gem Corporation.

Article 14. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that no information has been provided concerning progress in notifying cases of occupational diseases as provided for in section 63 of the Factories Ordinance. It previously noted that measures were being taken to coordinate the work of the various departments of the Ministries of Health and Labour, with a view to compiling information on occupational diseases and notifying the Commissioner of Labour. It hopes that such measures will make it possible to give full effect to this Article of the Convention.

Article 20. The Committee notes that the reports of the Department of Labour since 1987 have not reached the ILO. It trusts that the reports will be supplied and in future the time-limits set forth in this Article of the Convention for the transmission of reports will be respected.