Sri Lanka commits to end worst forms of child labor in the country

The National Ceremony to commemorate World Day Against Child Labour was held at the BMICH on 22nd June 2016 under the patronage of His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena.

Press release | 22 June 2016
President pledged to declare Sri Lanka as a country free of worst forms of child labor
The National Ceremony to commemorate World Day Against Child Labour was held at the BMICH on 22nd June 2016 under the patronage of His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena. The theme for this year's event is "End child labor in supply chains - It's everyone's business."

President also signed the pledge to declare Sri Lanka as a country free of worst forms of child labor which was presented to him by the Director of the International Labor Organization for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Donglin Li.

The launch of the program to socialize the charter through SMS, to make Sri Lanka a zone devoid of child labor, also took place on the occasion.

The Minister of Labour & TU Relations, Hon W.D.J Seneviratne, State Minister of Labour, Hon Ravindra Samaraweera, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Hon Chandrani Bandara and the Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Vajira Abeywardena and Hon. A.H.M. Fowzie, Minister of Disaster Managmenet, Mr. Donglin Li, Director, ILO Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives graced this occasion with their presence

Speaking at the event, the President said the rich, the powerful, smugglers, criminals, and terrorist movements usually exploit the children for labor and the attention should be paid to such people to eliminate child labor.

He said the maximum punishment that can be meted out for child exploiters is to expose them to society, rather than throwing them in jail. He added that it is the responsibility of the media to bring them before society and expose these persons and let everyone know who they are.

Although laws are being implemented to save the children, the President stressed that preventing child exploitation could not be done only through laws. He emphasized that the society also have to play a responsible role to overcome child exploitation.Condemning the use of children for labor, President Sirisena said, as a country adhering to the international conventions, Sri Lanka is working responsibly and discharging its duties on behalf of children.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Donglin Li congratulated Sri Lanka for being at the forefront of elimination of worst forms of CL by 2016. He assured that the ILO continues its support to the Government and its social partners in their campaign to protect the rights, freedom, security and dignity of children in Sri Lanka.

A large gathering including diplomats, social partners and students were present at the event.