EPF balance checks through mobile phones - Athauda

Ananda KANNANGARA

Labour Relations and Manpower Minister Athauda Seneviratne yesterday highlighted the invaluable service rendered by the private sector and called upon the countrywide Labour Tribunals to settle their disputes, without delays. He was speaking at a ceremony held in Colombo to mark the golden jubilee of the Labour Tribunal. Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana was also present.

Minister Seneviratne also said the concept of Labour Tribunals in our country was first introduced by the late Labour Minister

T. B. Ilangaratne with the objective of helping private sector workers in settling their workplace disputes.

"Although, the Minister's objective was fulfilled, some minor labour cases were drag on for years which makes workers to suffer socially and financially". He said this pathetic situation was identified by former Labour Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe who had by means of legislation, enforced a rule that labour disputes to be settled within a period of three months.

"But, unfortunately his idea too was not fulfilled and even at present, it takes more than five years to settle some cases".

The Minister also urged employers and employees to bridge the gap between them to minimise workplace disputes. He further said that after he tookover, he was able to initiate many social benefits including housing loans and medical insurance schemes to Employees Benefit Fund (EPF) holders. He said according to a new facility, scheduled to commence shortly, EPF holders will be able to check their fund balances through their mobile phones and requested the Labour Tribunals also to extend more benefits for their clients.

The Golden Jubilee of Labour Tribunal was celebrated in Colombo yesterday. Here Labour Relations and Manpower Minister Athauda Senevirtane addresses the audience.

Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana and ILO Director Ms Tine Steamores are also in the picture.