News
Dutch Embassy and ILO convene a discussion on ‘Responsible Business Conduct in practice and the role of social dialogue’
Last week the Netherlands embassy in collaboration with Better Work Sri Lanka Programme, a joint initiative between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), concluded their series on responsible business conduct (RBC) focusing on the apparel sector.
This third session focused on the apparel sector and the importance of dialogue, bringing together a range of industry experts. The event, supported by the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF) saw the participation of high-level representatives who discussed and shared their experience of RBC in practice and the importance of social dialogue.
Social dialogue is critical to the apparel sector in Sri Lanka as it enables all stakeholders to come together and discuss matters related to the industry i.e., safety standards, working conditions, environment and labour standards. It can help to ensure that workers’ welfare is improved, and their rights are protected which in turn promotes stability, enhances productivity, and ensures that the industry operates in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.
Giving the opening remarks at the event the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Bonnie Horbach said: “Doing business responsibly whether at home or abroad, is something the Netherlands government finds extremely important. What drives this agenda is the sincere wish to do better and acting responsibly. The era of ‘take-make-dispose’ and ‘exponential growth without consequences’ has to be replaced. It’s time for a new era with a greater focus on quality and sustainability. We need to move towards understanding what the impact of a business is, throughout the entire supply chain – both environmental point as well as from a social one.”
Highlighting the importance of social dialogue, Indika Gamage – Group Manager Human Resources Development, Jay Jay Mills Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, spoke on his experience in promoting RBC within the apparel sector in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the event on the Government of Sri Lanka’s role in embracing RBC, Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary, Ministry of Industries said that “The Ministry of Industries is focusing on obtaining the International Accreditation Certification and is working with 21 sectors to encourage them to adhere to international standards, whilst also supporting them to obtain certifications. Additionally, since the apparel industry contributes a significant percentage to the export income of Sri Lanka compared to other sectors, we find that adapting to European regulations within this sector is especially important.”
Noting the importance of RBC for the future of Sri Lanka’s trade with the European Union, Lars Bredal, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives mentioned, “There are new legislations being drafted making it mandatory for European companies to certify that any product received has not in any way contributed to climate change or had a reverse impact on human rights. Sri Lanka has in many ways been ahead of the curve for issues such as child labour, yet Sri Lanka has room to improve in other areas, such as equal pay. It would be best to address these issues before the new legislation enters into force and by doing so secure better access to the European market”
The panel discussion also consisted of sector experts including Yohan Lawrence – Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF); Mathavakala Mathavan – National Project Coordinator, Free Trade Zone & General Services Employees Union; and Chamila Thushari – General Secretary, Dabindu Collective. The discussion was moderated by Kesava Murali Kanapathy, Head of Better Work Sri Lanka programme.
Latest News
Flood warning issued to the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha, Doluwa, Udunuwara, Yatinuwara, Gangawata Korale, Harispattuwa, and Pathadumbara
Due to heavy rainfall received in the upper catchment areas of the Mahaweli River over the past few hours, there is a risk of minor flooding in the low-lying areas surrounding the Mahaweli River within the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha, Doluwa, Udunuwara, Yatinuwara, Gangawata Korale, Harispattuwa, and Pathadumbara.Residents living in the above mentioned areas and motorists using roads passing through these areas are urged to exercise extreme caution and remain highly vigilant regarding the prevailing situation.
Furthermore, residents living in close proximity to the Mahaweli River in these areas are advised to remain highly alert to the situation and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves from any potential flooding.The relevant disaster management authorities are requested to take all necessary measures in response to this situation.
The National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] has issued landslide Red Alerts to the districts of Kandy, Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya effective from 14:00 hrs on 20.09.2026 To 14:00 hrs on 21.09.2026
Accordingly,
LEVEL III [RED] Land Slide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Pasbage Korale in the Kandy district, Dehiowita, Aranayake, Deraniyagala, Mawanella and Yatiyanthota in the Kegalle district and Kothmale West, Kotmale East, Ambagamuwa and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district
LEVEL II [AMBER] Land Slide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Padukka in the Colombo district, Nagoda, Thawalama and Neluwa in the Galle district, Bulathsinhala, Palindanuwara, Walallawita and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district, Ganga Ihala Korale in the Kandy district, Bulathkohupitiya and Kegalle in the Kegalle district, Akuressa and Pitabeddara in the Matara district, Thalawakele in the Nuwara Eliya district and Pelmadulla, Ratnapura, Ayagama, Kuruwita and Ratnapura in the Ratnapura district.
LEVEL I [YELLOW] Land Slide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Seethawaka in the Colombo district, Niyagama and Baddegama in the Galle district, Mirigama in the Gampaha district, Ingiriya in the Kalutara district, Udapalatha and Yatinuwara in the Kandy district, Galigamuwa, Warakapola and Ruwanwella in the Kegalle district, Kotapola, Pasgoda and Athuraliya in the Matara district, and Eheliyagoda, Kalawana and Elapatha in the Ratnapura district.
News
Development projects can deliver results to the people more quickly when the political authority and the public service work together towards a common goal – PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that development projects can deliver results to the people more quickly when the political authority and the public service work together towards a common, people-oriented objective.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a discussion held on Friday [September 18] at the Western Province Council Auditorium to review the progress of the development project to rehabilitate Rathmalana Kandawala Road and the drainage system on either side of the road, within the Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Municipal Council limits in the Colombo District.
The project, which commenced on September 10, 2026, is scheduled to be completed before June 30, 2027. Implemented by the Provincial Road Development Authority (PRDA), the project includes the construction of a bridge at a cost of Rs. 64 million, the rehabilitation of the drainage system at a cost of Rs. 930 million, and the rehabilitation of the road at a cost of Rs. 115 million.
The Prime Minister also paid special attention to the progress of the responsibilities assigned to the Western Province Council, the Irrigation Department and the Ratmalana Divisional Secretariat in accordance with decisions taken at the previous committee meeting. Attention was also given to the current status of the plans being carried out by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLRDC), as well as the construction and maintenance activities being undertaken by the Provincial Road Development Authority (PRDA).
Commending the expedite and commendable progress of the project, the Prime Minister particularly appreciated the commitment demonstrated by officials of the relevant government institutions to work in close coordination with one another and in collaboration with the political authority.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of taking measures well in advance to control flooding and minimise its impact on Colombo and several other districts in view of the rainy weather that may affect the Western Province during the latter part of this year.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Colombo District Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Chairperson of the Ratmalana Divisional Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Samanmalee Gunasinghe, Chairman of the Roads Sub-Committee of the Colombo District Coordinating Committee Dewananda Suraweera, Mayor of the Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Municipal Council Parakum Shantha, Chief Secretary of the Western Province K.G. Pradeep Pushpakumara, along with a number of government officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Flood warning issued to the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha, Doluwa, Udunuwara, Yatinuwara, Gangawata Korale, Harispattuwa, and Pathadumbara
Landslide Red Alerts issued to the districts of Kandy, Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya
Shafali dazzles with 49-ball unbeaten 100 and India march into Asian Games final
Development projects can deliver results to the people more quickly when the political authority and the public service work together towards a common goal – PM
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the Districts of Colombo, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
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