Saturday, July 19, 2025
Sri Lanka Lifts Archaic Night Work Ban on Women in Tourism, Opening Prospects for More Jobs and Business. In a decision designed to liberalize Sri Lanka’s labor codes and bolster its tourism industry, the government this week repealed a long-standing law from 1954 that barred women from working as waitresses in hotels and restaurants past 10 in the evening. Hospitality industry leaders and proponents of gender equality are lauding the decision as a critical step towards inclusivity, operational effectiveness, and economic expansion
Outdated Regulation Finally Overturned
The rule, adopted for the first time more than seven decades ago, was a sharp-edged relic of antiquated labor practices that put insurmountable barriers on women’s participation in one of Sri Lanka’s most important industries. Yet this antiquated law had somehow survived economic growth and swept aside the transformations in the way we live, wasting the efficiency of many hotels and restaurants that had developed being built on the assumption guests increasingly would be served in the evening rather than 70 years ago.
The minister, Nalinda Jayatissa that addressed the media at the weekly cabinet press briefing, observed that the law had been properly scrutinized and considered to be untenable with the present day economic climate. This major change in policy was a direct response to long-term lobbying by stakeholder and industry representatives, who argued that the policy was outdated and in urgent need of an update to reflect current business practices and to bring the policy in line with gender equality.
The transform of the hospitality industry
Under the old rule, women 18 and older were allowed to work as receptionists, as a coat check attendant and in the restroom during night hours, but were prohibited from working in hotels and restaurants after 10 pm. This particular restriction had long been a logistical nightmare for the industry, with operations and the standards of customer service during the crucial latter parts of the evening severely compromised.
Women no longer need to adhere to these curfews and thereby can now work the same hours as their male co-workers across all hospitality positions, reducing the female unemployment and operational regulations. Experts in the sector expect to see dramatic changes in diversity and operational efficiency.
Women’s Participation in the Work Force Welcome the Change
Chandara Wickramasinghe, well-known hotelier and owner of Thema Collection that launched the first all-woman managed hotel here in Sri Lanka, has congratulated the government on the amendment. He brought out the ridiculousness of the old lockdown restrictions by comparing the essential roles of nurses (during the night), normally conducted at night, to the requirements of the hospitality industry and the old law’s unreasonableness. Wickremesinghe sees this change as the beginning to boost women’s workforce participation from the current 10 percent and help women be included in activities that give them economic and social empowerment.
M Shanthikumar, president, Hotels Association of Sri Lanka said that the Sri Lankan hoteliers shared the excitement, while reiterating the imperative of offering safe, secure, and supportive places for the industry to take advantage of the potential afforded through the recent regulatory change. It is anticipated the widespread implementation of enhanced support facilities will help increase the proportion of women entering and remaining in hospitality jobs.
Strategic Influence on Tourism Growth and Economical Revival
Tourism is one of the pillars of Sri Lanka’s economy and so substantially contributes to national income, employment. Sri Lanka’s read more 8 hours ago Tourism is The Best Sri Lankan industry was hit after the outbreak of global economic fluctuations and the covid-19 Sri Lanka suffered major setbacks in the tourism sector. Two million tourists visited the country in 2024, travelling mainly from India, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and China. Sri Lanka’s sights are now set on 2.5 million international arrivals in 2025, as we aspire to become established as one of most favored global destinations.
The abolition of rigid labor laws is highly consistent with the overall strategies of Sri Lanka for economic recovery, and will boost the international image for the country as well as its success to attract investments. Sri Lanka has made its mark as a modern, forward-thinking country that cares for sustainable development and social justice, by addressing gender inequality and by upgrading employment practices.
Strengthening International Appeal and Competitiveness
The repealing of the ban on night time work for women is a direct benefit to Sri Lanka’s overall global competitiveness in the hospitality industry. At a time when international travellers are increasingly focused on diversity, equality and the ethical backgrounds of their chosen destinations, Sri Lanka’s strides in inclusive employment strike a chord with tourists.
Furthermore, this measure also enhances Sri Lanka’s attractiveness to international hotel investors, operators, and hotel management chains as a place to invest and support, with an accommodating and equitable regulatory regime. Decision-makers expect to see increased international collaborations and co-operations, leading to a heightened growth in the tourism industry and economy.
Ensuring Sustainable and Inclusive Development
Industry officials and lawmakers also greeted the change with enthusiasm, but also noted the need to put other policies in place to take advantage of the opportunity. One such step is creating facilities such as women transportation and safe stay facility for lady employees who complete their work late hours.
Conclusion: A Progressive Step Forward
The announcement of the repeal of Sri Lanka’s regressive labor law is an historic step in the country’s progression towards gender equality and economic development. By implementing this forward-thinking development, Sri Lanka strengthens not only the operational capacity of its robust tourism sector, but also its country’s international branding as the destination that is open to all and poised for sustainable growth.
