Balancing Work and Life: Exploring the Right to Disconnect in Sri Lanka through Comparative Analysis with France and Australia.

Abstract

This research explores the right to disconnect in Sri Lanka through a comparative analysis with France and Australia. An increasing number of employees are working past usual business hours without legal cover as remote work grows more common, especially in industries like IT and apparel. The lack of regulations regarding the right to disconnect in Sri Lankan labor laws results in the infringement of employees' rights to equality and leisure. The main objectives of this study are to find the current legal framework in Sri Lanka, analyze measures in France and Australia that have strong legal coverage for work outside of working hours, and suggest recommendations for Sri Lanka regarding the right to disconnect. This study examines the legal frameworks of the two countries regarding the right to disconnect using comparative and doctrinal methodologies. Australia introduces legislation allowing employees to decline work contacts outside of business hours from 26 August 2024. France requires large enterprises to negotiate work-life balance policies. On the other hand, because Sri Lanka lacks this legislation, employees continue to be exploited and have no legal redress. The study concludes that to improve work-life balance and comply with international standards, Sri Lanka has to enact specific laws establishing and safeguarding the right to disconnect like France and Australia where these laws are practiced properly. It is recommended to include legal provisions, establish enforcement mechanisms, enact legislative changes that clearly define the right to disconnect, fines for non-compliance, and methods for staff members to report violations. Protecting workers' rights and bringing Sri Lanka into compliance with international standards, would encourage a better work-life balance throughout Sri Lanka.