Former UNP Deputy Leader and MP Ravi Karunanayake has raised concerns over the growing gap between Sri Lanka’s workforce and the domestic job market.
He said around 250,000 to 300,000 Sri Lankans are leaving the country for employment, taking valuable labour resources to developed countries. At the same time, Sri Lanka is increasingly required to bring foreign workers into the country to fill labour shortages.
Karunanayake pointed out that Sri Lankan workers may leave for around Rs. 100,000 in wages, while bringing similar workers back from overseas could cost around Rs. 350,000 in foreign exchange.
He urged the government to intervene immediately to address the issue and retain skilled and essential workers within the country.
