On 16 April 2026, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka deposited with the International Labour Office the instrument of ratification of the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190).
Sri Lanka is the 55th ILO Member States to ratify Convention No. 190.
In depositing the instrument of ratification, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake, stated: “I am pleased to announce that Sri Lanka ratified the ILO Convention C190 on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, which demonstrates the Government’s commitment to respect, promote and realize the right of everyone to a world of work that free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment. By ratifying this important Convention, we reaffirm Sri Lanka’s commitment to promote an environment of zero tolerance to violence and harassment in the world of work. Pursuant to the ratification, Sri Lanka is taking steps to introduce necessary legal provisions domestically by amending its existing labour laws for the implementation of this Convention.”
In receiving the instrument of ratification, Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General of the ILO stated that: “By ratifying Convention No. 190, Sri Lanka reaffirms the country’s commitment to place dignity, equality and respect at the centre of the world of work. This marks a pivotal step toward a future that is free from violence and harassment, ensuring safe and healthy working environments. The ILO stands ready to support the Government and social partners in aligning the national legal and institutional framework with ratified Conventions.”
Convention No. 190 is the first international instrument to establish a clear and comprehensive basis for preventing and addressing violence and harassment in the world of work, including gender-based violence and harassment. Together with Recommendation No. 206, it provides an integrated and gender-responsive approach to protecting all workers and other persons in the world of work, setting out practical measures for implementation.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN
Geneva
17 April 2026