What are the legal working hours and overtime rules in Sri Lanka?
Normal hours, overtime limits and overtime pay for shop and office employees.
Last reviewed: 22 October 2026
Normal working hours
Under the Shop and Office Employees Act, normal hours are generally 8 hours a day and 45 hours a week, excluding meal breaks.
Overtime limits
Overtime is generally limited to a set number of hours a week. Women and young persons may have extra protections.
How overtime pay is calculated
A common method divides monthly basic salary by 240 to get the hourly rate, then multiplies by 1.5 for each overtime hour. Use our Overtime Calculator for an estimate.
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Contact usThis information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and rates change; please consult a qualified Attorney-at-Law for your specific situation.