COLOMBO, July 12 -- Sri Lanka has banned the import of goods produced wholly or partly through forced labour, in a move aimed at strengthening labour standards and aligning the country's trade regulations with international obligations.

The new regulation, issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, came into effect on July 10.

Under the order, the import of any goods that have been wholly or partially mined, manufactured or produced using forced labour is prohibited.

The regulation empowers the Minister of Finance to periodically identify the goods or countries to which the prohibition will apply, taking into consideration decisions and recommendations of the ...