Promoting the right to a safe and healthy working environment in Sri Lanka

Plantations are a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economy, providing employment to a significant portion of the workforce and supporting national food security, exports and rural development. Yet, workers in this sector, particularly women and informal economy workers, face substantial occupational safety and health (OSH) risks, including exposure to agrochemicals, unsafe equipment, and climate-related hazards. Compounding these challenges, Sri Lanka’s OSH framework remains fragmented and outdated, offering limited protection for these workers. Building on recent achievements under the Safety + Health for All Programme, this initiative supports the launch of the revised National OSH Policy and Programme, advocates for the ratification of ILO Fundamental OSH Conventions (C155 and C187) and implements participatory OSH improvements in selected plantation workplaces. In addition, it fosters regional knowledge exchange on effective OSH practices, enhancing both workers’ safety and health and market competitiveness.

Project symbol

LKA/25/52/JPN

Admin unit

CO-Colombo

Start date

01/11/2025

End date

30/04/2027

Total allocation

249933

Total expenditure

Status

Active

31085

Development Partners

Japan, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Country/Countries

Sri Lanka

Outcomes

Outcome 3: Full and productive employment for just transitions
Outcome 6: Protection at work for all