Deputy Minister of Labor Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that child labour cannot be addressed in isolation, as it is closely linked to broader social and economic challenges. However, he revealed that Sri Lanka records fewer than 10 child labour-related incidents annually.
He made these remarks while participating in a high-level panel discussion at the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, currently underway in Marrakech, Morocco.
Addressing the conference, the Deputy Minister emphasized that preventing child labour requires expanding access to quality and free education, strengthening decent work policies and social protection, and eradicating poverty by addressing its root causes.
He noted that during previous national crises, the Sri Lankan government prioritized children’s welfare by ensuring continuity in education. Schools were provided with free stationery and financial assistance to help students continue their studies without interruption.
The Deputy Minister further highlighted that new education reforms have already been introduced this year, aimed at supporting the elimination of child labour. These include strengthening social protection and household income, investing in education and skills development, preventing school dropouts, and aligning education systems with labour market needs. A dual-path education system combining academic learning with skills development has also been implemented.
According to conference organizers, his remarks were acknowledged and appreciated by the International Labour Organization.
The global conference began yesterday and will conclude on 13 February 2026. During the opening session, addresses were delivered by Mohammed VI, Gilbert F. Houngbo, and Younes Sekkouri.
The first Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour was held in 1997 in Oslo, Norway.
