Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP) and Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake has highlighted the impact of the large number of Sri Lankan workers leaving the country on private-sector job creation.
Speaking to the media, Karunanayake said that approximately 325,000 job opportunities have entered the labour market annually over the past two to three years, with overall job growth estimated at around 350,000 positions per year.
He noted that the public sector accounts for around 20,000 jobs, while the private sector creates between 20,000 and 40,000 jobs. According to him, a significant portion of the remaining workforce appears to be leaving the country for employment opportunities abroad.
Karunanayake said approximately 300,000 workers left the country for foreign employment last year, while the number is expected to be around 270,000 this year.
He stressed that the continued departure of workers from the country and its impact on the growth of private-sector employment is an issue that requires greater attention.
