Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) - Sri Lanka (Ratification: 1995)

The Committee notes the Government’s report. It also notes the comments made by the Lanka Jathika Estate Workers’ Union and by the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon concerning the application of the Convention in Sri Lanka.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Emergency Regulations of 3 May 2000 were amended by the Emergency Regulations No. 1 of 6 April 2001. Furthermore, referring to section 7 of the Emergency Regulations of 6 April 2001, the Government indicates that the schedule referred to in the Committee’s previous observations has been repealed. The Committee also notes the comments made by the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon to the effect that the Emergency Regulations of 6 April 2001 define essential services and were made under the Public Security Ordinance. However, the Committee also notes the Government’s indication that these Emergency Regulations are no longer in force and have been ineffective since July 2001 as they were not renewed by Parliament. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed in its next report of any Emergency Regulation which may be promulgated in the future.

In addition, the Committee is addressing a request regarding certain other points directly to the Government.