The Role of Business in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Legal Perspectives

Abstract

Covid 19 pandemic has become a challenge to achieve sustainable development goals. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on the social and financial circles in low- and middle-income developing countries, including Sri Lanka, have been especially adverse, which cause interruption of supply chains, reduced foreign remittances and FDI, among others. The Sustainable Development Goals are the diagram to accomplish a superior and more sustainable future for all. They address the worldwide difficulties, including those identified with poverty, inequality, environmental change, natural degradation, peace and justice. Achieving SDGs in this pandemic has become a very difficult and challenging task. This study identifies whether the prevailing laws are sufficient and practicable in regulating businesses to achieve the SDGs in the Covid-19 pandemic. The objectives of this research are to identify the impact of Covid 19 on sustainable development goals, to discuss the role of business in the society in achieving such goals, to analyse whether Sri Lankan laws are sufficient in steering businesses in playing their role and to propose the necessary amendments. The methodology of this research is black letter (doctrinal) methodology. This research employs a qualitative analysis of primary data including the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka, Sustainable Development Act, National Development Act No.47 of 1980, Industrial Dispute Act, Consumer Affairs Authority Act No. 9 of 2003, Sales of Goods Ordinance, Fair Trading Commission Act No.01 of 1987 and secondary data including journal articles and web articles.