EFC Shares Employer Perspectives at Tripartite Workshop on Adequate Wage Setting Institutions In Sri Lanka
The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon participated in a three-day workshop organised by the Ministry of Labour and the Department of Labour, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), to review Sri Lanka’s existing wage-setting institutions and practices and identify practical priorities for strengthening them through evidence-based approaches and social dialogue.
Held from 8 to 10 September 2026, the workshop brought together representatives of the Government, employers’ and workers’ organizations, members of the Labour Law Reform Committee, academics and ILO technical experts. The EFC shared the employer perspective, contributing to discussions on the country’s wage-setting mechanisms and the need for approaches that reflect national economic and labour market conditions.
Participants examined the principles contained in ILO international labour standards relating to minimum wage setting. Key areas of discussion included the needs of workers and their families, relevant economic factors, wage and labour market trends, collective bargaining, and the implementation and compliance of minimum wage policies.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s continuing economic recovery following a period of exceptionally high inflation, which significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power while placing considerable pressure on enterprises. The workshop provided an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange perspectives on strengthening wage-setting institutions and promoting balanced, evidence-based approaches that take into account both workers’ needs and the sustainability of enterprises.
The EFC’s participation reflects its continued engagement in national-level labour policy discussions and its commitment to constructive social dialogue in shaping wage-setting practices in Sri Lanka.