This blog firstly illustrates the importance of the key foreign remittances derived from the Sri Lankan migrant labour-force employed abroad. Secondly, the blog analyses the “Sri Lankan Migration Trends” for the past six (6) years from 2012 to 2017. Thirdly, this blog will also provide reasons for the inward & outward shift of labour migration during the 6 years stated. Finally, recommendations to enhance the quality of the Sri Lankan labour-force migrating outward for works described.

Firstly from the below table it is evident that a steady remittance flow of US$5.6 Billion was received by the country during the six (6) years from 2012 to 2017 from the migrant workers. These foreign remittances received by the country helped strengthen the Balance of Payment & also contributed to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Secondly, upon disseminating the Labour Migration Trends published by the International Labour Organisation (ILO Report 2020). It is evident from the table Sri Lankans migrated for employment steadily surged from 2012 to 2014. But from 2015 to 2017 there was a gradual recede in the labour migration of Sri Lankan’s.

When observing the ILO 2020 report “Labour Migration in Sri Lanka at a Glance” it reveals in the year 2016 a staggering 90% of the Sri Lankan migrant workforce migrated to Arab counties in the Gulf. Furthermore, foreign remittance received by Sri Lanka in the year 2017 was private remittances equivalent to US $7.19 Billion.

Thirdly, the graph below reveals the number of males to females migrating for work from 1986 to 2016. Initially it is evident from 1986 to 2011 females dominated the outward flow of work migration.  Unfortunately, some of the female workers who migrated seeking employment to Arab countries were employed as housemaids. But it’s clear in 2010 males overtook females in the overseas migration race seeking employment.

Finally, when evaluating the reason for the shift from females to males migrating for work from 2010 to 2017, it was evident that the government policy focus & the investment were directed to enhance the vocational Training in Sri Lanka. The development of vocational bodies such as the Tertiary Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) & National Industries Training Authority (NITA) and Vocational Training Authority (VTA)

In the recent years USAID’s YouLead project , Australian Direct Aid Program (DAP) & KOICA are few programs imitated to focus on strengthening the vocational training sector by providing financial assistance & training for this sector.

The private sector vocational training institutes such ACTH Institute who is registered with TVEC helps in the delivery of internationally recognized quality skills training for these migrant workers seeking foreign employment.