News
Lanka facing looming crisis due to shrinking workforce
Sri Lanka is facing a looming crisis as its labour force shows signs of a rapid decline, according to Professor Wasantha Athukorala of the Department of Economics and Statistics at the University of Peradeniya. Citing recent data from the 2024 Population and Housing Census, Professor Athukorala warns that the shrinking workforce poses a serious threat to the country’s economic stability and future development.
The country’s total population currently stands at 21.76 million. However, despite a modest increase of 1.4 million people since the last census in 2012, the population growth rate has slowed to just 0.5%—a noticeable drop from 0.7% recorded a decade ago.
This downward trend signals an overall decline in population growth, which could have far-reaching effects.
“This is not just a demographic issue; it’s an economic one,” Professor Athukorala said. “A shrinking labour force means fewer people contributing to the economy, which in turn increases the burden on those who are working. The pressure on healthcare systems will also rise with an ageing population, and we can expect a range of social and infrastructural challenges to intensify.”
One such challenge is the growing strain on urban centers. The census revealed significant disparities in population density across the country.
Nearly 6 million people reside in the Western Province, while the Central and Southern Provinces have 2.7 million and 2.6 million respectively. This uneven distribution is contributing to increased urban congestion and potential neglect of rural areas.
Professor Athukorala said that there was another troubling social reality: 2,281 individuals in Sri Lanka are currently homeless, lacking basic shelter—another indicator of rising socio-economic stress.
Although national censuses are typically conducted every ten years, the 2024 edition experienced delays. Still, the findings paint a clear picture: Sri Lanka’s population is aging, growing more slowly, and concentrating unevenly—all while its labor force dwindles.
“As the workforce continues to decline, we must be prepared for rising healthcare costs, increased urban pressures, and deepening social issues,” warned Professor Athukorala. “Policy interventions are urgently needed to mitigate the long-term impacts.”
By Sujeewa Thathsara
There has been a noticeable increase in the spread of Chikungunya in the city of Colombo, Kotte, and the suburbs of Colombo, according to the Health Ministry.
As of 14 March, the Weekly Epidemiological Report says 173 chikungunya cases have been reported from Colombo, Gampaha, and Kandy.
Acting Consultant Community Physician of the Ministry of Health Dr. Kumudu Weerakoon said that the Chikungunya virus had spread to Sri Lanka in 1960.
Meanwhile, Dr. Deepal Perera, Consultant Paediatrician at Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital, Colombo, told The Island yesterday that there had been an increase in the number of children affected by Chikungunya.
“To tackle this situation, it is extremely important to keep your homes, doorways, and school premises clean regularly,” he said.
“If a child has fever lasting more than two days, darkening around the nose, or joint pain, these could be symptoms of Chikungunya. In such cases, take the child to a doctor. Chikungunya is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The joint pain can persist for months. Therefore, we strongly urge both children and adults to take all precautions to avoid contracting Chikungunya.”
By Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon and Chaminda Silva
‘Genocide Memorial’ in Canada
Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown has slammed SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa over the latter’s recent statement regarding the monument that was inaugurated in Canada commemorating the victims of the final stages of the North East conflict.
In a statement on ‘X’, Brampton Mayor, Patrick Brown said, “The Rajapaksas’ opposition to the Tamil Genocide Memorial is the surest signal that we are on the right path recognising the innocent civilian lives lost at the hands of this family.”
Patrick Brown further said that if confident that no genocide occurred, the Rajapaksa family should fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court rather than obstructing justice and hiding from prosecution.
“This is their Nuremberg moment, and instead of facing accountability, this family hides in luxury protected by the Sri Lankan state. It’s shameful. The crimes against humanity committed by the Rajapaksa family rival Pol Pot, Slobodan Milosevic, Heinrich Himmler, and Flicien Kabuga. It’s a badge of honour that they object to our Canadian Tamil Genocide Memorial,” he added.
His remarks came in response to SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa’s recent statement that it was concerning that Canada has inaugurated a Tamil
Genocide Memorial when, under international law, no genocide has been proven or can be proven against the Sri Lankan military in its conflict with the LTTE terrorists.
“The so-called Tamil genocide monument appears to be a politically driven move by the Canadian government, which has long been influenced by certain factions within the Tamil diaspora. Rather than working towards peace and unity, these groups have fueled division for their own interests,” MP Rajapaksa said, in a statement on ‘X’.
Custodial death of domestic worker
The Colombo High Court yesterday fixed July 21 as the date for the pre-trial conference on a case filed against three police officers attached to the Welikada Police over the custodial death of a domestic worker in 2023.
When the case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge R.S.S. Sapuwida, Defence counsel informed court that they had not received some of the documents submitted in relation to the case. The judge instructed the State Counsel to ensure that the necessary documents were made available to the defence.
After considering all facts presented, the judge scheduled the pre-trial conference for July 21.
The victim, 41-year-old R. Rajakumari, a resident of Badulla, was arrested on May 11, 2023, following a complaint by her employer, Sudharma Nethicumara, alleging the theft of gold jewellery.
Rajakumari later died while in custody at the Welikada Police Station. Her family raised concerns over the circumstances that had led to her death, alleging that she may have been assaulted.
Later a disciplinary action was initiated against seven officers attached to the Welikada Police. A Sub-Inspector, two sergeants, and a constable were interdicted, while another constable and two Women Police Constables were transferred for the same reason.
BY AJA Abeynayake
Kusal Mendis to replace Buttler at Gujarat Titans for IPL playoffs
Showers about 75 mm is likely at some places in Central, Eastern, Uva, Northern and North-central provinces.
CWI asks ICC for ‘fair and transparent’ pathway to LA28 Olympics
-
Features5 days agoSAITM Graduates Overcome Adversity, Excel Despite Challenges
-
News5 days agoDestined to be pope:Brother says Leo XIV always wanted to be a priest
-
Opinion5 days agoDrs. Navaratnam’s consultation fee three rupees NOT Rs. 300
-
Foreign News6 days agoMexico sues Google over ‘Gulf of America’ name change
-
Sports5 days agoASBC Asian U22 and Youth Boxing Championships from Monday
-
Features4 days agoChampioning Geckos, Conservation, and Cross-Disciplinary Research in Sri Lanka
-
Business5 days agoDilmah – HSBC future writers festival attracts 150+ entries
-
Business5 days agoBloom Hills Holdings wins Gold for Edexcel and Cambridge Education