News
Rising migration of Lankan women reshapes caregiving and employment dynamics
By Rathindra Kuruwita
There has been a two-percent increase in the number Sri Lankan women seeking foreign employment, compared to 2023, according to Dr. Bilesha Weeraratne, Head of Migration and Urbanisation Policy Research at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS). The number rose to 46% in 2023 from about 40% in the pre-pandemic period. Dr. Weeraratne shared these insights on Thursday (15) during a policy dialogue, titled “Shaping the Future: Population Dynamics in Sri Lanka,” organized by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sri Lanka.
Dr. Weeraratne said the Sri Lankan government has been actively promoting foreign employment since 2022, as a response to the economic crisis. In 2022, over 300,000 people left the country for work abroad, with a similar figure of approximately 297,000 in 2023.
“Most of the women leaving the country are under 45 years old, which is one of the contributing factors to the decline in fertility rates,” Dr. Weeraratne noted.
The large-scale migration of young women has also necessitated a restructuring of caregiving responsibilities within the country. “Now, older women are often tasked with caring for young children, which can be challenging. Childcare is demanding even for mothers, and the expectation that older aunts and grandmothers will take over can lead to compromises in the education and nutrition of children. However, remittances from abroad can also provide families with better access to food and education,” she explained.
Dr. Weeraratne further emphasized that migration serves as an entry point to employment for many women, particularly given Sri Lanka’s low female labour force participation.
“One solution to this issue is to establish quality daycare facilities for both children and the elderly. In Sri Lanka, placing the elderly in homes is not common practice, and women often bear the primary responsibility for their care. If adult daycare centres were available, more women would be able to enter the workforce,” she suggested.
Additionally, she pointed out that many women migrate to escape domestic violence, challenging the assumption that children left behind by migrant mothers are more vulnerable to violence at home.
Dr. Weeraratne also addressed the issue of high youth unemployment in Sri Lanka, attributing it largely to a mismatch between skills and job market demands. “Many young people aspire to work abroad. By providing them with the necessary training for jobs in the healthcare and hospitality sectors, we can prepare them for employment overseas. Those who migrate will send back remittances, while those who remain will possess skills that are attractive to investors,” she concluded.
The Ceylon Electricity Board has appealed to all rooftop solar owners across the country to voluntarily switch off their solar systems during day time hours (until 3pm each day) from April 13th to 21st to prevent partial power outages or nationwide blackouts which may occur.
The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the people of Sri Lanka should no longer be burdened by conflict and the Government remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across the country, with the government and the public service must discharge their duties to meet the needs of the people.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing public gatherings held in Velanai, Nallur, and Vadamarachchi.
The Prime Minister said that:
“There are numerous issues regarding infrastructure development in the Northern Province ranging from roads, drinking water supply, agriculture, and unemployment, to education and health sectors.
Many of these development tasks fall under the responsibility of local governments and provincial councils that represents your areas. However, these responsibilities have not been properly discharged.
While it is said that the issues raised in the North and East were caused by the war, 16 years have passed since the end of the war. What real change has taken place? Have the lives of the people in these areas has improved?
Although the central government allocates funds to provincial governing bodies, there should be a transparent mechanism in place to ensure that these funds are properly utilized for the relevant projects.
On May 6th, you will hold the decisive right to elect the local government closest to you that will work to uplift your lives and develop your communities. Elect representatives who are committed to serving the people, and free of fraud and corruption.
The government is actively participating in lifting the country from its fallen state and to overcome the current economic challenges. We accept that there is a long way to go. The prices of goods are still high but the government is currently working towards a change, and the people will receive the benefits in the near future.
Measures have been taken to increase the basic salary of public servants from this year’s Budget. The public service must commit to discharging duties with dedication. This must be not only a people’s government, but also a public service that belongs to the people.
Even after the independence, this country has seen much bloodshed and conflict. The people have suffered greatly as a result. The government is determined to ensure that such a situation never arises again. Therefore, the government is committed to fostering peace within the country.”
The event was attended by Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar, along with several Members of Parliament and local representatives in the North.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
A meeting organized by the National Initiative for Research & Development Commercialization (NIRDC) was held on Thursday (10) at the Presidential Secretariat to streamline and commercialize research and development activities in the defence sector.
Participating institutions included the Centre for Defence Research and Development under the Ministry of Defence, the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force, the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and the Research and Development Division of the Sri Lanka Police.
The NIRDC Unit, established under the Presidential Secretariat, aims to accelerate national development by facilitating investment opportunities to commercially apply completed or nearing completion research projects from both public and private institutions.
Defence institutions play a critical role for the progress of technology and science in relation to national security and development. Acknowledging this importance, the meeting was chaired by Senior Advisor to the President on Science and Technology, Professor Gomika Udugamasuriya.
During the meeting, it was discussed in detail regarding the completed and on-going research and development projects within the defence sector, as well as those planned for the future. Special attention was given to identifying opportunities for collaboration among research and development units, enhancing innovation capabilities, and exploring ways to share resources effectively.
The discussion focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration between research and development units relevant to these sectors, enhancing innovation capabilities and exploring ways to share resources effectively. It also examined possible steps to strengthen coordination between civil and defence research institutions. The discussion concluded productively, with several innovations identified that have the potential for future commercialization.
The event was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Finance and Economic Affairs) . Russel Aponsu, NIRDC Director General Dr. Muditha D. Senarath Yapa, Director (Investments) . Idunil Gunathilaka along with other officials.
[PMD]
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