COLOMBO : On 16 April 2026, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka deposited the instrument of ratification of the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190)with the International Labour Office.
Sri Lanka is the 55th Member State of the International Labour Organization to ratify Convention No.190In depositing the instrument of ratification, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, Sumith Dassanayake, stated that Sri Lanka’s ratification demonstrates the Government’scommitment to respect, promote, and realize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.
He further noted that Sri Lanka will take steps to introduce necessary legal provisions byamending existing labour laws to implement the Convention.In receiving the instrument of ratification, the Director-General of the InternationalLabour Organization, Gilbert F. Houngbo, stated that Sri Lanka’s ratification reaffirms itscommitment to dignity, equality, and respect in the world of work and marks a significantstep towards a future that is free from violence and harassment, ensuring safe and healthyworking environments. He also conveyed the readiness of the ILO to support theGovernment and social partners in aligning national legal and institutional frameworkswith the Convention.Convention No. 190 is the first international instrument to establish a clear and comprehensive framework for preventing and addressing violence and harassment in theworld of work, including gender-based violence and harassment. Together with Recommendation No. 206, it provides an integrated and gender-responsive approach to protecting all workers and other persons in the world of work, setting out practical measures for implementation.Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UNGeneva18 April 202
