– The program to eliminate forced labour in Sri Lanka was a reason for the reduction of US tariffs on Sri Lankan exports from 12.5% to 10%, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe said.He made the remarks while participating in a workshop held in the Bentara-Elpitiya area yesterday (2) aimed at eliminating forced labour in Sri Lanka.

Jayasinghe said everyone should join hands to eliminate forced labour, noting that there were reports of forced labour being used in some estates in the country.International Labour Organization (ILO) representative in Sri Lanka Johnny Simpson also participated in the workshop.Jayasinghe said Sri Lanka aims to achieve an export income of US$36 billion by 2030 while working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.He stressed that eliminating child labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and forced labour was essential, particularly as Sri Lanka currently holds the Vice-Chairmanship of the UN Alliance 8.7 Global Alliance.

Labour Ministry Secretary S.M. Piyatissa, Labour Commissioner General Nadeeka Wataliyadda, Southern Province Deputy Labour Commissioner S.M.P. Pascual and several other officials attended the workshop.