THE WORKFORCE
Adapting for the Future
Kanishka Weerasinghe discusses the way forward for Sri Lankan employers
Sri Lankan employers have faced numerous challenges due to COVID-19. In Kanishka Weerasinghe’s view, its impact must be assessed in relation to three phases: the curfew imposed in March, the identification of the second wave of infections and the future as the world contends with living with the coronavirus.
While he characterises the impact on employers as being “quite severe” due to the economy almost grinding to a halt during the first phase, Weerasinghe commends the government’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 and measures taken during the second wave to ensure that economic activities continue – this led to exports recording over a billion dollars in earnings.
He remarks: “The coordination between agencies responsible for safeguarding citizens’ health and those tasked with maintaining the economy improved, and these lessons will be crucial as we plan measures for the future especially to revive the economy.”
Despite the many challenges, Weerasinghe says Sri Lankan employers displayed resilience and adapted: “The decision to prioritise retaining employees not only saved livelihoods but enabled the country to avert major socioeconomic upheaval.”
The unemployment rate for the second quarter of 2020 was 5.4 percent, which he notes is better than predicted in April. And he adds that “a raft of relief measures including financial stimulus packages in the form of low interest loans, fiscal incentives, grants for the self-employed and worst hit individuals contributed to this.”
“On the employment front, the National Tripartite Agreement to prorate wages helped stakeholders safeguard their interests,” he states.
To ensure that employers have access to a future ready skills base, Weerasinghe stresses the importance of Sri Lanka assessing its potential: “This can be achieved by promoting the national skills base already being developed under the aegis of the State Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Education, Research & Innovations, as well as the certification of skills of citizens entering the workforce by 2030.” In fact, he explains that every citizen is expected to possess a skills passport, enabling them to be better placed overseas with more beneficial terms and conditions of employment.
Similarly, continuing recognition of prior learning (RPL) measures will be vital. Weerasinghe says this will also ensure dignity of labour, which he believes is lacking in Sri Lanka. The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) also looks to continue assisting the government in achieving these national objectives. To boost employment generation, he believes a major overhaul of the present system is necessary: “However, we understand that such reforms must be balanced and accommodate employees’ interests as well.”
“Whilst focussing on measures to enhance productivity and competitiveness by catering to greater flexibility, technology use, empowering women and other factors, we must provide sustainable social security schemes that serve employees and those who prefer self-employment,” he explains.
As for the main objectives for employers going forward, Weerasinghe suggests that organisations that adapt and remain sustainable by incorporating resilience into their DNA will succeed.
“All employers will have to assess how they hire personnel, manage and conduct business, and make decisions closely associated with the viability of their organisations,” he asserts, elaborating that these decisions are likely to range from technology investments, shifting from labour intensive production, and retraining and redeploying personnel, to diversifying business and even deciding to wind up operations.
He continues: “On the other hand, an ecosystem that supports transitioning enables startups to succeed, generates jobs and work, and promotes governance; and sustainable social security mechanisms will not only create new opportunities but also sustain business and livelihoods thereby facilitating economic growth.”
In his concluding remarks, Weerasinghe says: “COVID-19 is a great leveller, given that it has taught us the importance of living within our means as well as the norms of cooperation; and if nothing else, the importance of pursuing common interests.”
