COLOMBO (News 1st): The minimum age of recruitment for children has been increased to 16 years, the Department of Labour said.

The decision to increase the minimum age of recruitment was reached in order to improve the safety of children, ensure they are allowed to complete education and to improve the physical / mental health of children, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, the Commissioner-General of Labour told News 1st on Tuesday (Feb. 23).

“The minimum recruitment age of children stood at 14-years; however, the Education Ordinance in the country was subjected to changes where every child should receive education until the age of 16 years,” Chandrakeerthi pointed out.

Thereby, the draft bills in this regard have been amended, resolving the contradiction between the Labour Law and Education Law in the country.

Prabath Chandrakeerthi, the Commissioner General of Labour also emphasized that children between the ages of 16 to 18 years CANNOT be employed in hazardous jobs, such as mining.

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