This book looks at the problem of child labour in the informal sector which continues to hinder social progress in Sri Lanka despite the country's reputation in the developing world for its provision of welfare services and education. The report highlights government measures to eliminate child employment. It argues that collaborative efforts on the part of the Government, non-governmental organizations and international agencies could lead to innovative approaches to the problem.

Child labour is a serious and contentious issue throughout the developing world and it continues to be a problem whose form and very meaning shifts with social, geographical, economic and cultural context. While the debate about child labour practice in developing countries appears to be motivated by growing competition in labour intensive products brought about by globalization, studies on this issue are both sparse and lopsided. This important book aims to shed light on this debate by documenting the experience of South Asian developing countries which have experienced rapid income and export growth. Based on evidence from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, this volume aims to improve our understanding about the link between trade, growth and child labour practices, as well as management of child labour in developing countries.