Colombo, December 7, 2023 - Sri Lanka is gearing up to bring a myriad of professions into the formal sector by introducing more professional associations and practitioner licenses, announced Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara, during a parliamentary session on Thursday.
The minister emphasized the government's commitment to expanding the formal sector, stating, “We hope to introduce many more professional associations like the Bar Association. We have been having discussions with electricians, housemaids, three-wheel drivers, bus drivers and conductors, and many others about this.”
Under the proposed plan, every profession would be required to have a professional association to advocate for the rights and interests of its members. Additionally, a licensing system will be established through these associations, ensuring that practitioners in various fields obtain formal recognition and accreditation.
Minister Nanayakkara highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “Every profession must have a professional association that watches out for them, and through which they can get recognition and a licensing system. So to engage in business, a worker will need to have a practitioner license through their accreditation body.”
The move towards formalizing various professions is seen as a means to enhance the dignity of labor and ensure that all workers, regardless of their field, receive the respect and recognition they deserve. The upcoming Employment Act, as mentioned by the minister, will play a crucial role in legally establishing the concept of the dignity of labor.
The proposed changes aim to provide a structured framework for professions that have traditionally operated in the informal sector, bringing them under the umbrella of formal recognition and regulation. This move is expected to not only empower workers but also contribute to the overall economic development and stability of the country.
As discussions progress and plans take shape, Sri Lanka looks set to embark on a transformative journey to redefine the status and standing of various professions within its workforce.
