Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne has certified the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill, bringing the amended law into effect as the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Act No. 21 of 2026.
The Bill, presented to Parliament by Labour Minister Anil Jayantha, was passed by Parliament on Aug. 20 and received the Speaker’s certification on Tuesday (8).
The amendment increases the fines that may be imposed for offences under the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act No. 47 of 1956 from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 100,000.
The legislation prohibits the employment of children below the age of 16. The amendment was introduced to bring penalties for offences under the Act in line with current social and economic conditions.
The revised law is intended to strengthen legal measures to prevent child labour and protect the rights of women and young persons in employment. (Newswire)