Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nayakkara has officially affirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to dignifying work in the fisheries sector by announcing the impending ratification of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) “Work in Fishing Convention (C188).” This significant step reflects the government’s proactive efforts to ensure equitable and dignified working conditions for the fisheries workforce.
The minister made this significant announcement during the C188 Insight Forum, where the draft regulations were presented and stakeholders were empowered through sensitization.
The forum, held at Taj Samudra today (08), addressed the pressing issue of improving working conditions for approximately 500,000 workers in the fisheries sector, a pivotal part of Sri Lanka’s workforce and economy, contributing 2% to the country’s total exports.
Minister Nayakkara highlighted the goal of providing fishers with the ‘Dignity of Work,’ emphasizing the need to address challenges such as working conditions, fair wages, and safety issues faced by the 220,000 people directly employed and 300,000 indirectly employed in the sector.
“The ratification of the ‘Work in Fishing Convention (C188)’ is not just a legal requirement but a moral duty,” stated Minister Nayakkara. “Our Ministry is actively working on reforms to enhance social security and labor standards, including legal changes, promoting the Dignity of Work, improving social security, and developing a Labour Market Information System.”
The convention, once ratified, will establish standards for decent work, health, safety, and access to medical care for fishers, ensuring the protection of their fundamental human rights. Minister Nayakkara underscored the importance of this commitment, especially for informal sector workers like fishers and farmers, aiming to create a robust social security system.
Ratifying C188 will not only demonstrate Sri Lanka’s dedication to the well-being of its fishers but also position the country favorably in international trade, particularly with the European Union under the GSP+ scheme. Additionally, it opens doors to new markets where working conditions are prioritized.
The Ministry’s initiatives align with the broader objective of fostering a sustainable and humane working environment, contributing to the prosperity of the fisheries sector and the overall national economy.