COLOMBO, May 16: Following protests from the general public and rights groups, the Sri Lankan government is set to reconsider a ban imposed on mothers with young children seeking employment overseas.

The ban was announced by minister of child development and women’s empowerment, Sumedha G. Jayasena earlier this year.

Ministry officials say the intention of the ban was to protect children below the age of five who are often left without a proper guardian as a result of their mothers taking overseas jobs.

However, following criticism by migrant workers, women’s rights groups and other human rights lobbyists, ministry sources said on Wednesday that it was considering possible alternatives to ensure the protection of children whose mothers were employed abroad.

Rights groups including the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW), had described the government ban as a violation of a basic fundamental right.

“We are studying the issue and will be able to come up with alternatives that will not include a total ban on young mothers working overseas”, a spokesman for the women’s affairs ministry said. The Ministry spokesman said the ban had been approved by cabinet but is yet to be ratified by parliament.

“There are many issues being raised including the right to travel issue”, the ministry source said.