Green Jobs have become an emblem of a more sustainable economy and society that preserves the environment for present and future generations and is more equitable and inclusive of all people and all countries. The rationale for green growth and clean development has mostly been presented as a win-win situation for the environment and for economic development. Relatively little and superficial attention has been paid to the social dimension of sustainable development, in particular to the implications for employment and for decent work.

To assist Sri Lanka in shifting to a low-carbon, environmentally friendly and climate resilient economy that helps accelerate the jobs recovery, reduce social gaps, support development goals and realize decent work, the ILO has initiated the Green Jobs in Asia – Sri Lanka project in 2010 and it was completed in 2012. This project directly contributed to the national programmes and initiatives relating to employment, climate change, environment and disaster management and recovery from the economic crisis. The project funded by the Government of Australia under the ILO-Australia Partnership.

The project conducted research on the environment-employment-economy linkages and the potential for green jobs; training and awareness raising programs to address the needs of social partners (employers and trade unions) and implement a demonstration project for the creation of green jobs and decent work in a selected sector (e.g. waste management, renewable energy, green manufacturing, eco-tourism, sustainable housing) in Sri Lanka.  

The ILO worked closely with the Ministries of Labour and Trade Union Relations, Productivity Promotion and Environment in collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations in order to implement the activities in Sri Lanka.