Sri Lanka considers a groundbreaking pension system for hundreds of thousands working in app-based gig jobs, marking a potential shift in how the country protects informal sector workers and digital economy labor.
Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage stated that nearly seven hundred thousand to eight hundred thousand people are currently employed in Sri Lanka’s rapidly expanding app based employment sector.
He explained that the digital gig economy and app based job market have experienced significant growth in recent years. Although official statistics are still being compiled, current estimates suggest that close to seven hundred thousand to eight hundred thousand individuals are now working in the app driven employment ecosystem across the country.
The Minister pointed out that workers in the app based sector mainly earn daily income through digital platforms rather than receiving a fixed monthly salary. As a result, these workers do not receive traditional employment benefits such as retirement pensions or long term financial security after their working years. He emphasized that protecting the livelihood and social security of these workers is an important responsibility of the government. Accordingly, steps are now being taken to introduce a suitable pension system for individuals employed in the informal and gig economy sector.
He further noted that the Sri Lanka Social Security Board has taken the lead in developing this initiative. According to the Minister, the goal is to design a pension framework that is aligned with the income patterns of app based workers so that contributions and benefits are compatible with their flexible earning structures.
Dr. Upali Pannilage made these remarks while speaking at an official event organized to launch the Social Security and Pension Information Management System of the Sri Lanka Social Security Board.
