Workshop for ILO constituents on Mediation and Conciliation.

Colombo ILO News: International Labour Organization’s Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives conducted a two day training programme on mediation and conciliation for the ILO constituents on the 17th and 18th of September 2015 in Colombo.

Press release | 21 September 2015
International Labour Organization’s Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives conducted a two day training programme on mediation and conciliation for the ILO constituents on the 17th and 18th of September in Colombo.

The programme focussing on Communication, Negotiation, Mediation and Conciliation also contained an in-depth discussion on gender sensitization of the mediation process. Throughout the programme emphasis was laid on the practical implementation of concepts and processes through the use of group work and role play.

The programme was conducted by a renowned panel of experts, namely Mr. Gotabaya Dassanayake, retired Senior Employers’ Specialist of the ILO, Hon. Suresh Chandra former Judge of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka and Ms. Shyama Salgado, National Programme Coordinator of the ILO Project Promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work,

Speaking at the inauguration of this event, Mr. Donglin Li, ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, stated that “The strength of any institution is not measured by the absence of conflict but rather by the ways in which conflict is addressed and resolved. In fact, conflict resolution can be used as a catalyst for change within an organization leading to stronger relationships, improved workflows and higher efficiency”. Representing the Embassy of the United States for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Peter Zirnite stated that “Active listening is an art form and essential for effective conflict resolution. It is more than just waiting for an opportunity to speak”. The programme was attended by over 40 participants that included trade union members, department of labour officials, Employers’ Federation of Ceylon and human resources managers from the apparel sector.

Left to right: Mr. Wijepala Weerakoon, International Secretary, United Federation of Labour, Mr. Donglin Li, ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Peter Zirnite, Economic Officer of the US Embassy for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Yohan Lawrence representative of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association, Hon. Justice Suresh Chandra, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka and Mr. P. W. M. G. Wickramasinghe, Deputy Commissioner of Labour – Industrial Relations, Department of Labour.