The minimum age of labor will be increased from 14 to 16 years as per the Cabinet decision, said Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
Minister of Skills Development, Employment and Labor Relations Dinesh Gunawardena mentioned this addressing an event organized by the Department of Labor to commemorate International Child Labor Day at the Labor Department Auditorium.
The Minister said that the Department of Labor plays an important role in uplifting the living standards of the people of Sri Lanka by safeguarding their labor rights.
The Minister pointed out that the Department of Labor is already working towards decreasing child labor in the country down to zero percent.
According to the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act No 47 of 1956, it is a punishable offense to employ children under 14 years of age, the Minister said.
He added that steps will be taken to increase this age limit to 16 years.
