News

Rising migration of Lankan women reshapes caregiving and employment dynamics

Published

2 years ago

2024/08/17

Thilina Walpola

Dr. Bilesha Weeraratne

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.

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Sun directly overhead Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon today (15)

Published

3 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (15th) are Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon.

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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 14 April 2026, valid for 15 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern
provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on
the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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“I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!” – President

Published

1 day ago

2026/04/14

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, issuing a New Year message, extend his heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which symbolises the aspiration for renewal both physically and spiritually, is the foremost cultural festival of the people of this country.

During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditional customs are upheld, with priority accorded to rituals and religious observances, and activities undertaken collectively at a common auspicious time. This shared cultural practice vividly reflects our nation’s identity before the world, as well as the strong socio-cultural bonds that exist among our communities.

We firmly believe that the future path of national development can only be shaped in harmony with this invaluable culture and our distinguished historical heritage. Accordingly, it must be recalled that all our future development plans have been formulated upon the firm foundation of these precious traditions and cultural values.

Moreover, the common aspiration embodied in the customs and rituals associated with the solar transition is the nurturing of a compassionate individual who values togetherness, respects others, and lives in harmony with nature. I believe that the virtues and values of unity reflected in these New Year traditions should not be confined to these few days alone, but should instead be demonstrated throughout the year in our daily conduct.

In the face of the most significant recent natural disaster challenge encountered in the past year, we demonstrated to the world our resilience and capacity to withstand internal shocks. At the same time, in responding to the external challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Government has already set in motion a well-planned and effectively managed programme to overcome these difficulties.

As a nation, in overcoming these challenges together, I call upon all of you to further dedicate yourselves to enriching your lives through the values of togetherness, sharing, and solidarity exemplified during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.

As we strengthen the achievements we have secured and move forward with unwavering resolve in the face of emerging challenges, I invite everyone to join hands in unity to realise the vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” for all.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!