By Palitha Ariyarathna  

Kandy, Sri Lanka, is facing a disturbing labour rights crisis that goes far beyond ordinary workplace grievances. Women employees in several shops and private businesses are being compelled to work late into the night, often until 10 pm or beyond, without safe transport or fair wages. Investigations and worker testimonies reveal unsafe commuting conditions, twelve‑hour continuous duties, untimely salary payments, and pressure to resign — all of which undermine the dignity and safety of women workers.  

The situation is worsened by the lack of public transport after 10 pm in Kandy town. With bus services ending early, women are left stranded, vulnerable to harassment, or forced to rely on costly private transport. Employers who schedule women for late shifts without providing safe commuting arrangements are not only violating labour law but also exposing their staff to immediate danger.  

One of the most heartbreaking cases involves a woman who is not only an internationally recognized Asian Medley medal holder but is now working as a security guard due to economic hardship. She has been forced into longer shifts and, with no transport available, must walk home on foot in bad weather conditions. During the last government‑declared red alert disaster days, she was still walking home alone, braving dangerous conditions simply to reach her family. Her suffering is compounded by the emotional pain of questions from her own guardians: Why are you doing sports if no one gives you money?” Such remarks cut deeply, undermining the pride of her achievements and exposing the harsh reality that women athletes, despite bringing international recognition to Sri Lanka, are left unsupported in their economic lives.  

Most of the time, these violations are visible in clothing stores and other retail outlets along Peradeniya Road, where shops openly operate until late at night to boost purchasing activities. Many of these establishments align their operations with twelve‑hour shifts, forcing women into extended duty hours. Disturbingly, several of these shops are directly related to sports clothing retail, profiting from the very culture of athletics while exploiting women workers — including an athlete who once brought medals home to Sri Lanka. This contradiction is a national shame, as it mirrors exploitative labour conditions seen in Gulf countries where women are trapped in long domestic duties without dignity or fair treatment.  

Adding to this injustice, some shops provide day facilities such as changing rooms located dangerously close to high‑power generator areas. Men and women are forced to change their clothes together in consecutive cages, exposing them to indignity and unsafe conditions. These cramped and poorly designed spaces demand urgent inspection. The Labour Deputy General should investigate the narrow facilities provided under dog‑eyes” supervision and review the building design that disregards basic standards of privacy and safety.  

Shop owners have also shown bias against women with graded qualifications, preferring to exploit vulnerable workers rather than recognize or reward skill and achievement. This discrimination reflects a wider failure in valuing women’s contributions — whether in sports, education, or professional life.  

Sri Lanka’s Shop and Office Employees Act and Wages Board Ordinance guarantee fair working hours, timely wages, and safe conditions. Forcing women into unsafe night shifts without transport violates these protections. Moreover, Sri Lanka’s commitments under international conventions such as CEDAW demand that women’s dignity and safety be upheld.  

This is not only a labour dispute but a human rights crisis in daylight. When even internationally recognized athletes face exploitation, it signals a systemic failure to protect women’s dignity. Therefore, it is strongly urged that all women workers who have been forced into unsafe night shifts or excessive hours submit their cases to the Women’s Affairs Division in the relevant department. Such submissions will ensure that violations are formally recorded, investigated, and acted upon.  

This article is written in multiple awareness states — as a warning to the community, as a call to employers, and as a demand to government. It must proceed beyond Kandy and reach the attention of the Ministry level. Highlighting labour issues in the private sector can raise the standard of women’s rights across both government and private institutions. Following up with shops, companies, and even multimillion‑rupee businesses will transform individual grievances into national reform, ensuring that Sri Lanka protects the dignity of its women workers.  

Authored by:  

A Human Resources Director with more than 20 years of experience in the highest category of HR cluster leadership, bringing professional expertise and credibility to this call for reform.  

By Palitha Ariyarathna