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Sri Lanka’s employment challenge is real. In the ever-evolving landscape of global employment, there’s a concerning trend emerging in Sri Lanka. The recruitment of workers from Sri Lanka doesn’t align with the burgeoning demand for global job vacancies, leading to a noticeable shortage, particularly in skilled positions. A recent report from the World Bank sheds light on this growing disparity.
The Growing Divide: Supply vs. Demand
Shobana Sosale, a co-author of the World Bank report titled ‘Enhancing Skills in Sri Lanka for Inclusion, Recovery, and Resilience,’ highlighted the mismatch during the report’s launch. According to Sosale, “Overseas workers contribute significantly to Sri Lanka’s economy through remittances, but there exists a notable gap in their skill sets.“
The report emphasizes that job vacancies for foreign employment have remained stable, yet the supply of skilled workers has been dwindling faster than the demand. This trend is evident across all skill levels, with a more pronounced impact on skilled workers. Shockingly, in 2022, only 10 percent of job vacancies for skilled workers were filled, a significant increase from the 5 percent recorded in both 2020 and 2021.
Sri Lanka’s Employment Challenge in Filling Vacancies
The report’s findings reveal that a mere 5 percent of the 700,000 available foreign vacancies could be filled. Notably, a higher supply was observed in the housemaid sector, with approximately 17 percent in 2020 and 11 percent in 2021.
Sri Lanka, grappling with economic challenges, has heavily relied on migrant workers as a crucial source of foreign exchange. To address this issue, the national foreign employment policy has aimed to invest in a skilled workforce. The objective is to reduce dependence on remittances from low-skilled workers by providing vocational and professional training.
Nurturing a Skilled Workforce: The Way Forward
In order to address Sri Lanka’s employment challenge, The Foreign Employment Bureau advocates for workers to acquire National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) through the recognition of prior learning or by attending training courses at reputable institutes. This strategic approach ensures that workers possess qualifications of internationally verifiable standards, enhancing their employability in both domestic and high-income countries.
The World Bank report underscores the importance of Sri Lanka’s workforce gaining technical competencies and higher-order cognitive skills to be globally competitive. It emphasizes the need for investments in training and education to bridge the existing gap and empower the workforce for success in both local and international labor markets.
Fostering Collaboration for Skill Development
To effectively tackle the growing skills gap, collaboration between the government, private sector, and educational institutions is crucial. Sri Lanka must establish partnerships that align educational curricula with the evolving demands of the global job market. By fostering collaboration, the nation can ensure that its educational and training programs are not only relevant but also responsive to the dynamic needs of industries. Engaging employers in the development of training modules can further enhance the practicality of skills acquired, making graduates more readily employable on a global scale.
Embracing Technological Advancements in Training
Sri Lanka’s employment challenges can be overcome with technology. In the era of rapid technological advancement, integrating digital skills into training programs is imperative. Sri Lanka should leverage technology to offer online courses and virtual training sessions, providing flexibility for workers to enhance their skills without geographical constraints. Embracing e-learning platforms and incorporating emerging technologies into vocational training will not only make education more accessible but will also equip the workforce with the digital skills demanded by the contemporary job market. This forward-looking approach ensures that Sri Lanka’s workforce remains adaptable and competitive in the face of evolving global employment trends.
In conclusion, addressing the skills gap is pivotal for Sri Lanka’s economic resilience and inclusion in the global workforce. The nation’s journey toward a skilled and competitive workforce requires concerted efforts, focusing on education, vocational training, and strategic policy initiatives.
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