Impacts of heat stress on jobs and productivity in Sri Lanka FACTSHEET

This factsheet from the International Labour Organization (ILO) assesses the "Impacts of heat stress on jobs and productivity in Sri Lanka". The analysis provides quantitative and qualitative employment estimates for evidence-based decision-making. The document highlights that Sri Lanka, with a tropical climate and high average temperatures, is already experiencing significant heat stress. Climate data from the past three decades shows a clear and accelerating warming trend, which is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme temperature events. This rising heat stress is projected to lead to significant losses in work hours and, consequently, reductions in GDP and full-time equivalent jobs across all key sectors, with agriculture and construction being particularly vulnerable. The report emphasizes the need for urgent, sector-specific adaptation strategies, such as adjusting work schedules and enhancing cooling measures, to safeguard workers and economic resilience

Source - ILO