Presenting of draft regulations on ILO C188 –Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 to Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, Fisheries State Minister Piyal Nishantha de Silva, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Paul Stephens and ILO Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Director Simrin Sigh
Sri Lanka’s fishing sector will see improved working conditions, creation of additional employment and facilitation of labour retention, with the government making efforts towards ratifying the International Labour Organisation (ILO) C188. The draft regulations relating to the ILO C188 -Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 was presented to the government yesterday. C188 is an international labour standard established by the ILO, which sets standards and recommendations aimed at ensuring decent working conditions for those engaged in the fishing industry worldwide. It addresses various aspects of labour in the fishing sector, including working hours, occupational safety and health and living conditions on board vessels, amongst
other aspects.
In a statement to the media, the ILO said the draft regulations would act as a key documentation in supporting the development and for the submission of a joint Cabinet paper by the Labour and Foreign Employment Ministry and Fisheries Ministry, in furthering Sri Lanka’s journey towards ratification of C188. While the compliance will help significant economic returns to Sri Lanka by enhancing the local and global competitiveness, it sets the foundation for the long-term growth and sustainability of the country’s fisheries sector. Speaking at the event, Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara expressed strong support towards Sri Lanka ratifying C188, stating that providing dignity of work to fishers is not only a legal obligation but also a moral duty.
“It is part of larger efforts by the ministry to create a more robust social-security system for Sri Lanka’s private sector workers, including fishers,” he said. Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Paul Stephens noted that enhancing economic opportunities for all Sri Lankans to thrive is an important feature of Australia’s development support to the island nation.
“Fisheries is of particular importance as a driver for growth and decent work – investments in blue swimmer crab, giant prawns and sea cucumber value chains have seen dividends that are uplifting lives and the sector. We hope the government will move forward in its journey to ratifying C188,” said Stephens. Reflecting similar sentiments, ILO Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Director Simrin Singh stated that as Sri Lanka works towards strengthening its economic recovery and resilience, ratification of C188 offers both dignity and protection for workers. “It is a golden opportunity for industry gains and growth. We are encouraged by the commitment from the Fisheries Ministry and Labour Ministry. The ILO will continue to steadfastly support Sri Lanka’s promising efforts towards the earliest ratification of C188,” she said. For the ratification of C188, Sri Lanka is receiving coordination and technical support from the ILO Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. It is also supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Government of Norway, ILO Sri Lanka’s Local Empowerment through Economic Development and Reconciliation (LEED+).