An awareness workshop on trade union formation was conducted on 19th July 2026 at Hotel Vanni Inn in Vavuniya, Northern Province, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The program, held under the “Strengthening the Feminist Movement” project (SFM 26/27) supported by Women Fund Asia, targeted garment factory workers in the region. A total of 40 workers, including 7 males and 33 females, actively participated in the sessions. The resource persons, Mr. Asela Dharmapriya and Mr. W.A.G. Silva, both experienced in trade union work within free trade zones, facilitated the workshop using a comprehensive module that included lectures, group discussions, and interactive Q & A sessions.
The workshop content covered fundamental topics such as the definition and history of trade unions, their legitimacy, the legal framework for registration in Sri Lanka, and the practical steps for forming a union. Participants were guided through the requirements, including having a minimum of seven members, drafting a constitution, and registering with the Department of Labour. In addition to union-specific content, the resource persons provided valuable insights into basic labour rights, workplace rights, and both local and international tools available to protect workers from harassment and discrimination during the union-building process. The program concluded with a brief evaluation, which indicated that participants had gained a clear understanding of the concepts discussed and expressed interest in applying this knowledge to organize themselves effectively in their respective workplaces.
