Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

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

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report and the Labour Administration Reports for 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991, as well as the observations made by the National Employees' Union (Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya) and the Lanka Jathika Estate Workers' Union.

Articles 3(2), 6, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 16 of the Convention. The Committee notes the reply to its previous comments following the observation of the Ceylon Workers' Congress (CWC) that labour inspectors also function as conciliators under sections 11 to 14 of the Industrial Disputes Act No. 43 of 1950 and engage in administrative and worker education work: the Government considers that these additional duties do not interfere with inspectors' discharge of their primary functions. It also notes the increase in the number of labour inspectors to 407 in 1990 and their status as civil servants that guarantees their stability and independence of employment. The Government has decided to increase further the number of labour inspectors. It states that each district office has been provided with government vehicles and the officers are paid monthly travelling allowances. In 1992 the subsistence allowance of public officers was increased by 100 per cent and travelling arrangements are being studied.

In their observation, the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya refers to the persistent shortage of funding for inspectors and the complaints received especially against garment factories employing mainly female workers. The Lanka Jathika Estate Workers' Union also refers to fast-growing industries in the free trade zones, using highly sophisticated equipment, dangerous chemicals and extra hours of work for women and young persons, including night work, as well as the growing number of self-employed small industries, all of which necessitates measures to remedy the inadequacies of the inspection services. Response to complaints is not enough: the State should adapt to the needs of the times and exercise its responsibility to protect workers and take prompt corrective action through the labour inspection service.

The Committee hopes the Government's next report will deal specifically with these points, as well as describing further the developments already indicated; and that it will also include information on inspection in the State Mining and Minerals Corporation and the State Gem Corporation mentioned in previous comments by the CWC and the Committee's last observation.