Govt. committee to probe US allegations of labour rights violations

The government has appointed a committee to probe the allegations of labour rights violations in Sri Lanka which are threatening GSP trade concessions to the United States.

The USgovernment is to hold a public hearing next month on labour rights issues in Sri Lanka as it reviews the extention of GSP trade concessions to Sri Lanka. The island exported goods amounting to US$ 116 million to the USunder this scheme.

The US GSP scheme is reviewed each year and countries eligible for preferential treatment are expected to meet several standards which include the extent to which the country has taken or is taking steps to afford workers in the country internationally recognized worker rights including the right of association; the right to organize and bargain collectively; a prohibition on compulsory labour; a minimum age for the employment of children; a prohibition on the worst forms of child labour; and acceptable conditions of work with respect to minimum wages, hours of work and occupational safety and health.

The committee appointed by the government is headed by Secretary to the Ministry of Labour Mahinda Madihahewa, while its members will include officials from the ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Industries and Commerce. The Committee is also to consult the Ministries of Defence, Education, Ports and Aviation and prepare the government’s reply to allegations of labour rights violations.

AFL-CIO is reported to have urged the US government to remove Sri Lanka from its list of eligible GSP beneficiaries.