News
GL: Brain drain worst manifestation of SL’s economic crisis
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Brain drain is the worst manifestation of the country’s economic crisis, Freedom People’s Congress (FPC) member and MP, Prof. G.L Peiris, said on Thursday.Prof. Peiris said that a large number of academics had left state universities. In recent years, the number of students enrolled at the state universities had risen significantly, he added.
“I was at state universities for 33 years. There are a large number of academics who can secure jobs abroad. I am not saying everyone can get foreign jobs, but there are many who can. And, most of them are leaving. Brain drain is the worst manifestation of the country’s economic crisis,” he said.
The MP said that most of the other outcomes of the economic crisis can be addressed in a short time by a compassionate and competent government. However, brain drain had long term implications. Sri Lanka had been able to overcome many crises it has faced, from the 30-year war to COVID-19, because of its highly skilled human resources, he said.
“This was our main asset, and we are losing skilled people now. Not only universities but other professionals, from doctors to IT people, are leaving. This is a reflection of the disillusionment of professionals. Especially those with children think that there is no future for their kids in Sri Lanka,” he said.
The government has no intention of stopping the brain drain. Some elements of the government are happy about people leaving because they believe those who leave will remit their earnings.
“This is a foolish assumption. When a professional migrates, they invest the money they make in making a life for themselves. The overwhelming majority won’t remit money here. The government doesn’t even care about the collapse of the health sector. Look what is happening to the Aswesuma welfare scheme. We have not given any welfare benefits to two million poor people since June,” he said.
The government must openly discuss various free trade agreements Sri Lanka is pursuing with various chambers of commerce, professional associations, trade unions, and in Parliament, before they are signed, he said.
“It is not ethical or legal for a government, especially one that has no popular mandate, to enter into these agreements that have long term impacts on Sri Lanka,” he said.
The government was also attempting to weaken 12 Acts in place to protect the workers. These include the Termination of Employment of Workmen (Special Provisions) Act and the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration)Act.
“These specify the working hours, minimum wages, and other important things. These are privileges workers have earned after years of struggle. Look at the domestic debt restructuring resolution. The government is not touching the investments made by billionaires. The burden of debt restructuring is borne by pension funds, like the EPF and the ETF,” he said.
Prof. Peiris said that professionals were willing to pay higher taxes, but they want to make sure that the taxes are used well.
“When professionals met the President, the Treasury Secretary, etc., and presented their proposals, they were told that their ideas were good, but the government had to work according to the agreements with the IMF. There are countries that have negotiated well with the IMF and signed favourable agreements. But we were too scared to argue our case. We were worried that we would have to return empty handed. So, we signed an agreement that was inimical to Sri Lanka’s interests,” he said
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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