What are the standard working hours in Sri Lanka?

The standard working hours in Sri Lanka for all shop and office employees are as follows:

• A normal working can not exceed 8 hours, exclusive of any intervals for rest or meals.
• The total working hours in any week can not exceed 45 hours.

Is overtime governed by law in Sri Lanka? If so, what are the specifics outlined by law?

In Sri Lanka, overtime is governed by law. An employee qualifies for overtime if they work over 8 hours a day or 45 hours a week. However, in the private sector, executives typically do not receive payment for overtime.

How many days before the actual start date should the employment agreement be signed for payroll purposes in Sri Lanka?

In Sri Lanka, the employment agreement should be signed at least 2 days before the payroll deadline. For instance, if the cut-off date is 12th of the month, the agreement should be signed by at least the 10th, to ensure there is enough time to collect the necessary onboarding documents.