An Hon. Member
2026-02-18
Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe reported to Parliament on Sri Lanka's participation in the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour held in Marrakesh, Morocco (11th–13th), noting that while 138 million children remain engaged in child labour globally—despite a previous target to eliminate it by 2025—Sri Lanka records fewer than 10 child labour complaints annually. He highlighted that efforts are focused on the informal, plantation, and agricultural sectors, and acknowledged the link between child labour and poverty. The Minister also announced a large-scale community awareness programme being implemented in coordination with a ministerial colleague, with further eradication programmes expected to be launched.
Hon. Speaker, as the Hon. Member noted, from the 11th to the 13th I participated, representing our country, in the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour in Marrakesh, Morocco. Globally, about 138 million children are identified as child labourers. A previous summit had set a goal to eliminate child labour worldwide by 2025, yet 138 million remain. In Sri Lanka, the numbers are very low. At last year’s ILO conference in Geneva, attention was drawn to our country’s report; we clarified that all necessary measures are being taken to minimize child labour domestically. Generally, child-labour-related complaints recorded annually are fewer than 10.
We are striving to eliminate child labour, especially addressing reports from the informal sector, including plantation and agricultural sectors. We also recognize child labour’s link with poverty—eradication of poverty is essential. In coordination with the Ministry led by Minister Upali Pannilage, a large-scale community awareness project is being implemented. There are several other factors influencing child labour; we are addressing them comprehensively and expect to launch programmes to eradicate child labour from Sri Lanka.