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The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) wishes to bring to the attention of all member companies in the export manufacturing sector (excluding plantation companies) that the administrative approval for the implementation of a five-day work week has been extended.

Following a formal request submitted by the EFC on 2nd December 2024, the matter was taken up at the National Labour Advisory Council meeting held on 15th January 2025. As a result, the Ministry of Labour has agreed to extend the existing administrative relaxation for a further period of six months from 1st January to 30th June 2025. A review will be undertaken during this period to consider a further extension up to 31st December 2025.

This arrangement allows companies to operate on a five-day work week by spreading the standard number of hours worked on a Saturday from Monday to Friday. To qualify, member companies must obtain prior approval from the Commissioner General of Labour. Applications must be supported by written consent from the employees, as was the requirement under the earlier scheme.

It is essential that companies strictly adhere to the terms under which this relaxation is granted. A key condition is that employees must be granted a full weekly holiday on Saturdays. In return, they may work one additional hour each day from Monday to Friday, without overtime remuneration. Non-compliance such as scheduling work on Saturdays may result in the revocation of the five-day work week approval.

All new applications or renewal requests must be addressed directly to the Commissioner General of Labour and copied to:

• The Commissioner of Labour – Labour Standards Division, Narahenpita
• The Assistant Commissioner of Labour for the area in which the production facility is located

Member companies requiring assistance in preparing or submitting their applications are encouraged to contact the EFC Secretariat for guidance.