Sri Lanka to change laws to allow flexible working hours

Sri Lanka’s government will changes laws that will enable private sector workers to choose flexible working hours and consider giving the benefit to public sector employees as well,  Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera told parliament.

The Shop and Office Employees Act, No. 15 of 1954 will be amended allowing the employees flexibility in choosing their working hours, he said while presenting he government budget for 2018.

“The existing labour laws prevent a person’s ability to choose his/her own working hours,” he said.

“This becomes important at a time, specially, when information technology facilitates working at alternate work places or at convenient times.”

The government will introduce amendments to the Shop and Office Employees Act considering the option of a 5-day week with flexible working hours.

“We will further consider making the flexible working hours applicable to the public sector employees, as well,” Samaraweera said.

The Wages Boards Ordinance will also be reviewed to identify more sectors of the economy within the ambit of the legislation, he added.

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