Launch of a computerised labour inspection system in Sri Lanka
View(s):The United States works towards ensuring that all workers are treated fairly and share the benefits of the global economy, US Ambassador Michelle Sison said last week at the launch in Colombo of the Labour Inspection Systems Application (LISA).
This automated labour inspection system is said to be the first of its kind in South Asia and its launch incidentally coincided with the 90th anniversary of the Department of Labour. Funding support for LISA was provided by the US government with technical support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) under its project of promoting fundamental principles and rights at work in Sri Lanka.
The technical design of the system was done by Infoshare Pvt Ltd under the technical oversight of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA).
LISA is set to dramatically improve coordination between labour institutions across the country and creates a “virtual workspace” allowing staff to exchange information and data without being impeded by geographical separation. It is also likely to enhance the speed and efficiency of labour prosecutions as legal data will become more readily accessible to prosecutors. Improved data security and automated inspection schedules as opposed to the laborious former manual system, are likely to translate into increased productivity and efficiency gains.
Speaking at the event as chief guest, Labour Minister Gamini Lokuge said, “LISA will change the low productivity and inefficiency that accompanied the former manual labour inspection system”.
He stressed however that “we cannot achieve achievement overnight” and requested ambassador Sison to allow Sri Lanka to further study US labour inspection systems.
Ambassador Sison in her address further stated that “we have developed a strong partnership with Sri Lanka especially over the Trade Investment Framework (TIFA) talk and this dialogue has helped shape important bilateral cooperation to workers here”.
She also praised the Labour Ministry noting that” they deserve substantial recognition for their efforts” and further added that that the “US will look for opportunities to bring the government and the private sector together”.
ILO country Director, Donglin Li speaking at the event said that “the computerized system will pave way for innovation and productivity “and commended the efforts of the Government in upholding the ILO mandate. He also reaffirmed ILO’s support to Sri Lanka and its labour force in the future.
(SP)
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