Many countries are facing two major problems:
- Not enough skilled people for skilled jobs (Supply).
- Not enough skilled jobs for skilled people (Demand).
Which do you think is the bigger problem in Sri Lanka?
This is a question we asked our users a few months back. We received different answers. Some said the problem is a lack of skilled people, while others said it’s a lack of skilled jobs. Some even said we have both problems simultaneously.
Personally, I believe both problems exist in Sri Lanka at the time of writing this. Narrowing this question down to the IT industry, there is a significant challenge in finding skilled jobs for entry-level job seekers and a challenge in finding qualified workers for senior-level positions.
Why These Problems Exist?
Growth in the Academic Sector
The growth in the academic sector, both public and private, has led to a significant increase in the number of IT graduates. Universities and technical institutes are producing a large number of graduates each year. However, the market is not expanding at the same rate to absorb these fresh graduates. This imbalance results in a surplus of entry-level job seekers struggling to find appropriate positions.
Impact of COVID-19 and the Global Economic Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting global economic crisis have significantly slowed down the growth of the IT industry. Many companies have had to cut back on hiring and even lay off employees. The uncertain economic environment has also led to fewer opportunities for fresh graduates, further exacerbating the mismatch between the supply of skilled workers and the demand for skilled jobs.
Experienced Professionals Leaving the Country
Another critical issue is the brain drain. Many experienced professionals are leaving Sri Lanka for better opportunities abroad. This exit of talent leaves a gap in senior-level positions that are hard to fill. The lack of experienced mentors and leaders within the country also hampers the growth and development of junior employees.
Moving Forward
Entrepreneurs are key to solving these problems and taking advantage of opportunities in the IT sector. They can create jobs, drive innovation, and build strong networks to support the industry. By offering good salaries, career growth opportunities, and remote work options, they can attract and keep top talent, reducing the loss of skilled workers to other countries. Despite these challenges, there is always hope.
Do you have anything in your mind? Feel free to share in the comments section, and let’s discuss!
A multifaceted professional known for diverse interests and contributions in various fields, including management, technology, education and entrepreneurship. Also the founder of ITPro.lk, bringing a unique perspective and industry knowledge to writing.
