DIRE NEED TO RETAIN TALENT

Prashanthi Cooray digs deep to unearth the root causes of the brain drain

Sri Lanka has been grappling with prolonged political instability, economic challenges and limited opportunities for professional growth, causing talented individuals to choose to seek opportunities abroad.

At the height of the economic crisis, snaking queues formed outside the Department of Immigration & Emigration as people flocked to get their hands on passports to flee the shortages, rampant inflation and uncertainty. As citizens faced a deteriorating standard of living, the desire for better opportunities abroad became increasingly pronounced.

This phenomenon is referred to as ‘brain drain’ – the migration of skilled individuals from their home countries, often developing nations, to more developed nations in search of greener pastures.

Sri Lanka’s brain drain conundrum is complex with multiple underlying causes. The economic crisis that battered the country – leading to soaring inflation, depletion of foreign exchange reserves, and power and fuel shortages – exacerbated the issue.

As the nation descended into economic turmoil in early 2022, over 300,000 people left in search of job prospects in countries where conditions are more stable and opportunities for career advancement greater.

A swift wave of both skilled and unskilled workers sought employment in foreign lands, resulting in a strained domes­tic labour market where existing employees faced untold pressures working in high stress environments.

The exodus of skilled professionals and intellectuals impacted numerous sectors.

It is widely recognised that the healthcare sector is one of the most affected. Over 1,700 medical professionals have left the country in the last two years – and this is a talent that isn’t easily replaceable. For example, it takes several years to train a doctor and even more to produce a specialist.

While the departure of medical professionals has received much media coverage, the island also saw a mass migration of professionals from fields like engineering, IT, banking and tourism. Countries such as Canada and Australia, and the Middle East, have become attractive destinations due to favourable immigration policies and robust job markets.

Economic crises are often accompanied by political instability and social unrest.

Sri Lanka’s unstable political environment coupled with rampant corruption has left many skilled professionals feeling disillusioned about the country’s future. As a result, many choose to leave in search of better governance, more stable working environments, and security for themselves and their families.

A lack of recognition in the workplace and competitive compensation also contribute to the rising migration statistics. Many Sri Lankans who have advanced degrees and expertise feel undervalued and underpaid, and seek opportunities where their skills and qualifications are more appreciated and better rewarded – even though, the cost of living in developed nations is much higher.

Moreover, the relentless quest for output and productivity by employers without commensurate remuneration has driven many talented individuals away.

As Sri Lanka continues to experience a steady outflow of skilled labor, the implications for socioeconomic development are profound.

The inability of a country to retain its best and brightest minds often results in undermining the quality of services and economic development. And the departure of skilled professionals results not only in a loss of knowledge and skills – often obtained at the expense of the state – but also the capacity to drive innovation and build the economy.

Moreover, the migration of highly skilled individuals leaves behind those who are less educated or trained, leading to a widening skills gap as well. As professionals leave for more prosperous nations, Sri Lanka may also struggle to attract foreign investment or establish itself as a player in the global market.

Addressing these issues requires comprehensive policy interventions and multifaceted reforms aimed at creating more opportunities for highly skilled individuals.

By creating jobs, ensuring political stability and fostering an environment that is conducive to professional growth, Sri Lanka can stem the tide of the brain drain and retain its talented workforce.