Business

Women’s increasing vulnerability and COVID-19

Published

4 years ago

2021/09/21

Sahan Weerasooriya

Sri Lanka’s Gender-based Employment Segregation

By Sunimalee Madurawala

Although COVID-19 may be gender-blind, it has created a crisis that has disproportionately affected women across the globe. The economic impact of the pandemic is mostly channelled through the labour market. Estimates show that women’s jobs are 1.8 times more vulnerable than men’s jobs, and while women make up 39% of global employment, they account for 54% of overall job losses. While many factors affect the vulnerability of women’s employment during the pandemic, existing gender gaps in the labour market, women’s employment share in highly-affected sectors, the ability to telecommute and the amount of unpaid care work carried out by women have been identified as the main determinants. In this context, this blog examines women’s vulnerability in the Sri Lankan labour market due to the sector they are employed in. It also looks at gender-based employment segregation – a key factor behind women’s overrepresentation in certain industries and underrepresentation in others – and proposes policy measures to address this imbalance.

Impact of COVID-19 on Employed Women in Sri Lanka

A comparison of labour market figures and indicators for Sri Lanka for the fourth quarters of 2019 and 2020 shows a severe impact on women (Figure 1). While the absolute number of employed men has increased by 38,938, the number of employed females has decreased by 189,148. The number of economically inactive persons has increased between the years. Females account for 64% of that increase in economically inactive persons. The labour force participation (LFP) rates for both sexes have decreased significantly but the fall is more prominent for women. The unemployment rate has increased for both sexes during the period, whereas the increase for men is marginally higher than that for females attesting to the lowered LFP of women.

The Sector Matters

The greater impact on employed women due to the pandemic is linked directly with the sectors they are employed in. Calculations of the author on women’s employment in Sri Lanka based on an assessment by the International Labour Organization indicate that their employment share is high in both low-risk and high-risk economic sectors (Figure 2).

Manufacturing (including the sub-sector of textile manufacturing), accommodation and food services, and wholesale and retail are high-risk sectors with relatively high female employment shares. Female representation is relatively high in some medium-high risk and medium risks sectors such as ‘arts, entertainment, recreation, and other services’ and ‘financial and insurance activities’, respectively, as well. Even though health is a low-risk sector, women employed in the health sector face a higher risk of contagion.

Gender-based Employment Segregation – a Cause for Women’s Employment Vulnerability?

Gender-based employment segregation – ‘the unequal distribution of men and women across and within job types’, is often the major reason for women’s (or men’s) over-representation in certain sectors. In most cases, especially for females, their choice of employment is linked with the traditional gender roles they play in society (i.e. direct and indirect care responsibilities such as caring for children, the elderly, and the sick, cleaning, cooking, shopping, and fetching water and fuel). For example, in Sri Lanka, the female share in several frontline occupations is high (i.e., health professionals, health-related professionals, and care workers). These occupations are directly linked with women’s traditional gender roles.

Gender-based employment segregation creates unfavourable labour market conditions such as gender gaps in wages, job quality and employment trajectories. Demand-side factors, as well as supply-side factors, limit women’s choice in selecting an employment sector, thus causing employment segregation. Gender gaps in skills and qualifications, domestic and care responsibilities, safety (i.e. harassment at workplaces and when using public transport) issues, and lack of role models and networks are some important supply-side factors. Gender biases in recruitment, evaluation and promotion processes, employers’ perceptions of women employees (where employers perceive women employees as more suitable for certain types of jobs) and features of the workplace culture are important demand-side factors.

Way Forward

Both training in hard skills and soft skills would increase women’s chances of securing employment in fields traditionally dominated by males. Specific interventions that reduce and redistribute women’s domestic and care responsibilities (i.e. expanding access to key infrastructure for care and investing in labour-saving technology, and redistributing care responsibilities between men and women within households and between households and state and other institutions) would lessen the burden of care responsibilities borne by women. This would create an enabling environment for women to participate in labour market activities and to expand the array of employment options available for them.

Strengthening the legal framework and law enforcement mechanisms is important to ensure the safety of working women both at the workplace and when travelling to work. Furthermore, promoting female role models who have succeeded in traditionally male-dominated sectors would inspire women to choose such careers. In addition, establishing workplace cultures that practice gender-blind recruitment, evaluation, and promotion processes are needed to curtail demand-side factors of gender-based employment segregation.

* This blog is based on the comprehensive chapter on “The COVID-19 Pandemic and Employed Women: Ensuring Gender Equality beyond the Pandemic” in IPS’ forthcoming annual flagship publication ‘Sri Lanka: The State of Economy 2021’.

Link to blog: https://www.ips.lk/talkingeconomics/2021/09/07/sri-lankas-gender-based-employment-segregation-does-it-increase-womens-vulnerability-amidst-covid-19/

Sunimalee Madurawala is a Research Economist at IPS. Her research interests include health economics, gender and population studies. Sunimalee holds a BA (Economics Special) with First Class Honours and a Masters in Economics (MEcon) from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Talk to Sunimalee – sunimalee@ips.lk)

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Business

Redefining Industry Standards: Home Lands Group Emerges as Sri Lanka’s Premier Force in Lifestyle and Developer Leadership

Published

23 hours ago

2026/01/19

Thilina Walpola

At a time when Sri Lanka’s property landscape is experiencing rapid transformation, one organisation continues to define the direction of the market through scale, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. At the 2025 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Sri Lanka), the Home Lands Group of Companies maintained its place at the peak of the industry, acquiring two of the most influential awards of the year: Best Developer for the Group and Best Lifestyle Developer for Home Lands Skyline (Private) Limited.

These distinctions signify more than just project-level success. They reflect the organisation’s leadership in shaping how Sri Lankans aspire to live, work, and invest.

The Home Lands Group has built a broad presence throughout Sri Lanka’s most active corridors, from the rapidly evolving suburbs of Colombo to the developing lifestyle hubs of Negombo, Malabe, and Kahathuduwa, guided by extensive market research. The Group has transformed its in-depth knowledge of the property market into a portfolio of assets embodying superior residential living experiences, supported by strategically located branches that deliver an integrated suite of real estate services for buyers nationwide.

Home Lands Skyline, the Group’s flagship development arm and the 2025 Best Lifestyle Developer, is responsible for this on-ground reach. The company was commended for shaping communities through visionary residential environments and for its ability to combine cutting-edge sustainability with expansive lifestyle amenities. With 19 completed projects, including the largest integrated golf community in Sri Lanka and nine sustainable developments, Home Lands Skyline keeps raising the bar for efficiency, design, and placemaking.

Both ambition and operational strength are evident in its recent accomplishments. The company completed a number of landmark projects such as Elixia 3C’s Apartments, Santorini Resort Apartments & Residencies, and the 1,200-unit Canterbury Golf Resort Apartments & Residencies, which has more than 50 resort amenities that meet international standards and the nation’s first day-and-night golf course. In addition, the Group’s remarkable 58% market share earned it the title of Sri Lanka’s Most Preferred Residential Real Estate Brand in the RIU Brand Health Survey.

This growth is supported by a sustainability-first philosophy. The company incorporates environmental responsibility into every stage of development, from modular construction, renewable energy integration, and ethical sourcing throughout its supply chain to passive design principles that improve natural light and ventilation. This dedication is demonstrated by its Platinum Award at the CIOB Green Awards 2024.

The Home Lands Group is at the forefront of creating new lifestyle expectations as demand for well-planned, resort-style communities rises. In addition to confirming past achievements, the Group’s 2025 victories at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Sri Lanka) indicate a trajectory of ongoing leadership, positioning it as a transformative force in the future of Sri Lankan real estate.

Business

Cheaper credit expected to drive Sri Lanka’s business landscape in 2026

Published

23 hours ago

2026/01/19

Thilina Walpola

The Central Bank has reported data points that help stimulate private sector investment in 2026.

The opening weeks of 2026 are offering a glimmer of cautious hope for the business community weary from years of economic turbulence and steep financing costs. The Central Bank’s latest weekly economic indicators signal more than just macroeconomic stability. They point to early signs of a long-awaited trend; a measurable dip in borrowing costs.

“If sustained, this shift could transform steady growth into a robust, investment-led expansion,” a senior economist told The Island Financial Review.

The benchmark Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) declined by 21 basis points to 8.98% for the week ending 16 January, according to the Central Bank.

“For entrepreneurs and CEOs, this is not just another statistic. It could mean the difference between postponing an expansion and hiring new staff. Across boardrooms, the hope is that this marks the start of a sustained downward trend that holds through 2026,” he said.

When asked about the instances where Treasury Bills are not fully subscribed by the investors, he replied,” Treasury Bill yields remained broadly stable, with only minimal movement across 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day tenors. Strong demand was clear, with the latest T-Bill auction oversubscribed by about 3.5 times. This sovereign-level stability creates room for the gradual easing of commercial lending rates, allowing the Central Bank to nurture a more growth-supportive monetary policy.”

Replying to a question on how he views the inflation numbers in this context, he said, “The year-on-year increase in the National Consumer Price Index stood at a manageable 2.4% in November, with core inflation at 2.2%. Such an environment should allow interest rates to fall without sparking a price spiral. For businesses, it means the real cost of borrowing adjusted for inflation, and it is becoming more favourable for them. While consumers still face weekly price shifts in vegetables and fish, the broader disinflation trend gives policymakers leeway to keep credit affordable.”

Referring to the growth trajectory, he mentioned, “With GDP growth provisionally at 5.4% in the third quarter of 2025 and Purchasing Managers’ Indices signalling expansion in both manufacturing and services, the economy is in a growth phase. However, to accelerate this momentum businesses need capital at lower cost to modernise machinery, boost export capacity, and spur innovation. Affordable credit is, therefore, not merely helpful, it is essential to shift growth into a higher gear.”

In conclusion , he said,” The coming months will be watched closely, because for Sri Lankan businesses, a sustained decline in borrowing costs isn’t just an indicator; it’s the foundation for growth. There’s hope that this easing in the cost of money will prevail through most of the year.”

By Sanath Nanayakkare ✍️

Business

Mercantile Investments expands to 90 branches, backed by strong growth

Published

23 hours ago

2026/01/19

Thilina Walpola

Mercantile Investments & Finance PLC has expanded its national footprint to 90 branches with a new opening in Tangalle, reinforcing its commitment to community accessibility. The trusted non-bank financial institution, with over 60 years of service, now supports diverse communities across Sri Lanka with leasing, deposits, gold loans, and tailored lending.

This physical expansion aligns with significant financial growth. The company recently surpassed an LKR 100 billion asset base, with its lending portfolio doubling to Rs. 75 billion and deposits growing to Rs. 51 billion, reflecting strong customer trust. It maintains a low NPL ratio of 4.65%.

Chief Operating Officer Laksanda Gunawardena stated the branch network is vital for building trust, complemented by ongoing digital investments. Managing Director Gerard Ondaatjie linked the growth to six decades of safeguarding depositor interests.

With strategic plans extending to 2027, Mercantile Investments aims to convert its scale into sustained competitive advantage, supporting both customers and Sri Lanka’s economic progress.