He added that the first programme under this new mechanism commenced at the Kalutara Urban Council (UC), last week. Non-registration, according to him, would be dealt with in the forthcoming amendment to the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act. Meanwhile, State Minister De Silva claimed that he would take the responsibility for the delay in implementing a proper mechanism in this regard. The relevant law was recently amended to make the minimum age of employment 16 years from the previous age of 14. The Labour Commissioner General Attorney-at-Law Prabath Chandrakeerthi said that the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act will be amended, declaring another 20 jobs, including the employment of children in domestic labour, as hazardous jobs.

Source: The Nation July 31, 2021 20:02 UTC