Sri Lanka Formalizes Night-Time Employment for Women in Key Service Sectors 📈

A new Gazette notification has been issued by the Ministry of Labour, expanding the legal framework for female employment during night hours. This significant amendment to the Shop and Office Employees Act aims to modernize labor regulations and boost the female labor force participation rate, which currently stands at approximately 30%. • Key Regulatory Changes: Women over the age of 18 are now officially permitted to work as janitorial attendants or food service attendants (stewardesses) between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. previously, this privilege was largely restricted to ladies' restroom attendants. • Sector Impact: The move primarily benefits the hospitality, tourism, and facility management sectors by allowing businesses like residential hotels and restaurants to operate more flexibly with a diverse workforce. • Employer Mandates: Strict welfare requirements have been imposed on employers engaging women for night shifts, including: Provision of secure transport facilities to the employee's residence. Ensuring suitable accommodation where necessary. Implementation of mandatory health and safety measures. Full accountability for the overall welfare and protection of female staff. • National Context: This follows previous reforms that opened night work for the ICT/BPM and apparel sectors, reflecting a broader shift toward economic diversification and inclusive growth. _Note: Summary based on provisional data from Gazette Extraordinary issued on Jan 30, 2026._