Sri Lanka has officially lifted the restriction that prevented women from working night shifts, according to a government gazette. This change is part of a broader initiative to recognize women as equal contributors in the economy. By eliminating these “protectionist” barriers, the government aims to increase female participation in the formal workforce and bring the hospitality sector up to international standards.
This development comes at a time when Sri Lanka is experiencing labor shortages, as many young individuals are leaving the country in search of better opportunities, analysts note. The Labour Minister issued a special gazette allowing women over the age of 18 to work night shifts in the food and services sector under the Shop and Office Employees (SOE) Act.
The amendment permits employers in the hospitality, food, and beverage industries to employ women over 18 during night shifts. Employers are held accountable for the healthcare, safety, and welfare of female employees working during these hours. This includes providing suitable accommodation until 6 a.m. or offering transport to their homes after their shifts end.
This change aims to align Sri Lanka’s industry and services with contemporary global standards. The amendment has been a contentious issue for several years, with activists and lawmakers advocating for modifications to the SOE Act.
According to World Bank surveys conducted in 2024, women constituted only 31.6 percent of the labor force, despite comprising more than half of the population. Historically, Sri Lanka prohibited women from working night shifts in the hotel and restaurant sectors due to colonial-era “protectionist” mindsets and outdated labor laws from the 1950s.
The primary legislation governing these restrictions was the Shop and Office Employees Act No. 19 of 1954. These restrictions were based on paternalistic views that assumed women’s primary responsibilities were childcare and family maintenance, which night shifts were believed to disrupt. Concerns also existed regarding workplace harassment and the lack of safe transportation during late hours.
(Colombo/February 02/2026)
