On 12 January 2016, the Government of Sri Lanka deposited with the International Labour Office, the instrument of ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006).

Sri Lanka is the 81st ILO member State and the 16th Asian State to have ratified the Convention.

In depositing the instrument of ratification, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, has stated that Sri Lanka is committed to the creation of new job opportunities in a sustainable manner as envisaged in the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 and particularly, in line with the Government’s commitment to eradicate poverty and promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.

Ambassador Aryasinha also stated that Sri Lanka looks forward to working closely with the ILO for capacity building, in particular, training in the areas of labour standards and labour inspection, for officers in the Ministry of Labour.