Strengthening Sri Lankan employers in uncertain times: Key takeaways from the 2024 Employers' Symposium
28 February 2025
(ILO News) Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) hosted its much-anticipated Employers’ Symposium 2024, focusing on the theme "Traversing turbulence: Fueling enterprises for success." Bringing together employer representatives, business leaders, policymakers, and experts, the event explored strategies to help enterprises adapt, innovate, and thrive in an increasingly volatile global landscape.
Delivering the keynote address, Deborah France-Massin, Director of the ILO Bureau for Employers’ Activities (ACT/EMP), acknowledged EFC’s resilience and leadership. She underscored the pivotal role of employer and business membership organizations (EBMOs) in navigating today’s challenges, highlighting how EFC has continuously evolved to support businesses, advocate for sound policies, and foster economic stability in Sri Lanka.
"Employer and business membership organizations (EBMOs) worldwide have demonstrated incredible agility, resilience, and the ability to adapt in times of crisis. The pandemic was a stark reminder of the crucial role they play—not just in advocating for businesses, but in shaping social dialogue, influencing policy, and leading sustainable economic development."
Deborah France-Massin, Director ILO Bureau for Employers' Activities (ACT/EMP)
The symposium tackled three major challenges and opportunities for businesses:
✔️ Sustainability & green business – Enterprises must be proactive in the green transition, as regulations, market shifts, and consumer expectations increasingly demand sustainable business practices. Employer organizations like EFC play a key role in helping businesses understand and implement environmentally responsible strategies.
✔️ Technology & workforce transformation – Digitalization, AI-driven workplaces, and new employment models are reshaping business operations. The importance of investing in skills development and ensuring social security frameworks evolve to reflect the realities of modern work was highlighted .
✔️ Economic resilience & employment strategies – Sri Lanka’s economic recovery depends on enterprise growth, talent retention, and constructive social dialogue. Strong employer organizations must advocate for policies that foster business-friendly environments while ensuring economic inclusivity.
A special session addressed Sri Lanka’s mining sector, discussing strategies for skills development, workforce inclusion, and policy support.
With businesses facing increasing complexity and change, France-Massin reaffirmed ACT/EMP’s commitment to supporting employer organizations like EFC in their mission to help enterprises thrive.
"Now, more than ever, employer and business membership organizations must be at the forefront—guiding businesses through uncertainty, advocating for policies that enable sustainable growth, and ensuring that no enterprise is left behind"
Deborah France-Massin, Director ILO Bureau for Employers' Activities (ACT/EMP)
As Sri Lanka navigates economic recovery and global shifts, the EFC Employers’ reaffirmed the critical role of employer organizations in shaping the future of work, business, and policy.
Additionally, EFC and ACT/EMP participated in a National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council meeting, underscoring the importance of tripartite social dialogue in shaping sustainable labour policies and economic recovery.
