Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) - Sri Lanka (Ratification: 1956)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report. Articles 10, 11, 13 and 16 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information that action is being taken to increase the number of labour inspectors by creating 50 new positions in order to strengthen the inspectorate and adapt it to the needs of the time. The Committee notes that no information is provided regarding the observations of the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya concerning the persistent shortage of funding for inspectors. It recalls the observations previously made by the same workers' organization relating to the working conditions in the garment factories employing female workers and notes from the Government's report that 818 inspections took place in the garment manufacturing sector. The Committee notes the information provided regarding the observations of the Lanka Jathika Estate Workers' Union referring to the working conditions and special risks and hazards faced by workers in the growing number of self-employed small industries and the fast-growing industries in the free trade zones, using highly sophisticated equipment, dangerous chemicals and extra hours of work for women and young persons, including night work. The Government states that prior to the grant of approval for the establishment of such factories, their designs and plans are examined for safety and health of the working environment (including ventilation, temperature, safety exits in emergencies, and sanitary and other facilities). It also indicates that factory inspecting engineers including those attached to the respective District Factory Inspecting Engineers' Office, routinely inspect the safety and health of the working environment in these factories to ascertain that all high-risk machines and equipment are periodically examined and that protective devices are functioning effectively. The Committee notes the Government's reply to the observations of the Ceylon Workers' Congress (CWC) regarding inspections in the State Mining and Minerals Corporation and the State Gem Corporation. The Government states that labour inspectors and the Mineralogist Department's inspectors, medical officers, and licensed engineers are empowered to inspect, both routinely and on receipt of complaints, mines and quarries which are relatively small in size. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide further information on all these points. Articles 20 and 21. The Committee recalls its previous observation in which it had noted the information contained in the Labour Administration Reports for 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991. It wishes to point out that these reports do not fully meet the requirements of Articles 20 and 21 of the Convention that annual labour inspection reports should be compiled and published within the time-limits specified and that they should contain all the particulars listed therein. It hopes the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure that annual labour inspection reports are published and sent to the Office as required by the Convention.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.