Strengthening labour relations vital for economic growth - Athauda

by Ananda KANNANGARA

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The Sri Lankan Chapter of the International Industrial Relations Association (IIRA) was launched in Colombo under the patronage of Labour Relations and Manpower Minister, Athauda Seneviratne.

A large number of local and foreign labour officials including the IIRA, Secretary Giuseppe Casale and ILO, Colombo Resident Director Ms Tine Staermose were present.

Minister Senevirtane lauded the importance of obtaining the IIRA membership by Sri Lanka at this juncture and said that even before this, the country endorsed international labour laws for the benefit of workers in the industrial sector. "Strengthening the labour relationship among management, workers and trade unions is vital to develop the country's economy and it will also help uninterrupted production, minimize industrial disputes and reduce waste," he said.

He said the IIRA was established in 1966 in response to a growing need to develop and exchange knowledge in the field of industrial relations at the international level.

The Association has over 1,000 members worldwide including scholars and practitioners and they discuss subjects that are related to globalisation, new technology, employee involvement in HIV/AIDS, occupational safety and health, labour laws and many other labour related topics.

Labour Relations and Manpower Ministry Secretary Mahinda Madihahewa said that industrial relations are vital to achieve economic growth and guarantee employment of workers.

He also said that there must be collaboration between the management and workers to achieve economic development in a country.