Welcome to
Ministry of Labour
The Ministry of Labour is dedicated to fostering fair employment, protecting workers' rights, and building a dynamic workforce that drives Sri Lanka's economic development.
About Us
About the Ministry of Labour
Improving the standards of living and service conditions of workers in Sri Lanka's semi-government and private sectors, and the formulation and implementation of pertinent policies to establish industrial peace and employer-employee relationships required for enhancing production and labour productivity, are the prime objectives of the Ministry of Labour.
The Ministry of Labour plays a vital role in safeguarding the rights and welfare of employees while fostering harmonious industrial relations across the country. The ministry oversees labour laws, social security programs, employment policies, and occupational safety standards to ensure a fair and productive labour environment.
Through its institutions and departments, the ministry serves millions of employees in the private and semi-government sectors while contributing to national economic development.
Quick Access
Quick Links
Direct access to our most crucial portals and services.
NLAC
National Labour Advisory Council — consultative labour governance and social dialogue.
Circuit Bungalow
Book and reserve the Ministry's comfortable circuit bungalow in Ampara online.
Learning Platforms
Access official learning platforms and resources.
News Updates
Read the latest news, updates, announcements, and notices from the Ministry.
RTI Portal
Submit information requests under the Right to Information Act in Sri Lanka.
Complaints (WhatsApp)
Submit complaints directly via WhatsApp to our official number: 070 722 7877.
Updates & Announcements
Latest News
Press release on private sector salary increase.
In accordance with the provisions of the National Minimum Wage of Employees Amendment Act No. 11 of 2025, the National Minimum Wage in the private sec...
Press release on private sector salary increase.
In accordance with the provisions of the National Minimum Wage of Employees Amendment Act No. 11 of 2025, the National Minimum Wage in the private sec...
The committee approved by the Cabinet to amend the labour laws is consulting the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC).
The ceremony organized to mark the commencement of the Ministry of Labor and its subordinate institutions for the year 2026 was held this morning (01)...
Important Documents and Resources
Downloads
Affiliated Bodies
Institutions
Department of Labour
The Department of Labour was initially established to look into the welfare of Indian Immigrant Labour and was called the Department of Indian Immigrant Labour. Enactment of Indian Immigrant Labour Ordinance No. 1 of 1923 provided for the establishment of the Department of Indian Immigrant Labour.
However, with the gradual expansion of the indigenous segment of the labour force, labour perse became a force to be reckoned with. In these circumstances the colonial rulers were compelled to look beyond their limited scope of looking into the welfare of Indian Immigrant Labour and had to take measures for the welfare and well-being of all the workers alike. Accordingly, in 1931 the Department of Indian Immigrant Labour was transformed into the General Department of Labour - the state agency responsible for ensuring the welfare of both Indian Migrant Labour as well as indigenous labour. Initially the Head of the Department was designated as Controller of Labour, but in 1944 the Head was re-designated as Commissioner of Labour and year 2000 as Commissioner General of Labour.