A PROPOSAL FOR A LEGAL FRAMEWORK TO PROTECT DOMESTIC CHILD LABOUR IN SRI LANKA

Domestic law of Sri Lanka as well as the International Instruments have recognized the right to equality and equal protection before the law, and forbid bias on any ground. Sri Lanka government has ratified many International labour Organization conventions and incorporated as domestic law of the country for the reason to protect child labour. Although data shows that problems regarding child labour have yet not resolve. ILO has adopted a C 189 on 2011. The C 189 regulates working hours, minimum salary, overtime payment, daily and weekly rest, paid annual leave, social security, safe and healthy employment, trade union rights and protection from all forms of abuse, harassment and violence. However Sri Lanka has not ratified it. This study focuses some methods to improve the legislation connecting with the protection and safety of domestic child labour in Sri Lanka by commencing three categories of legal reforms such as, (1) giving a broad definition and interpretation to existing law, (2) the introduction of amendments to the existing laws in line with international standards set forth in ILO Convention and best practices of other jurisdictions, (3) the introduction of a new law in accordance with international standards and best practices enshrined in ILO Convention and other Countries.