Sri Lankan Job Market

Being Sri Lanka a developing country in South Asia, even though our people have the potential our economy still struggles to create employment opportunities with the various political, economical and international implications. 

Being the case-
We chase our passion to create a source of income but it doesn’t apply to all. What does matter to the latter is the potential a certain job, a sector or industry has in terms of growth, promotion and better pay and perks. In that case, knowledge is vital. Knowing which sector is expanding and which is diminishing is necessary because you wouldn’t want to spend years obtaining a qualification for an industry that is dying out. You need to build skills and the know-how to befit a thriving industry, which has many vacancies and of course, the ability to push you up the career ladder.

Looking at the latest recruitment trends in Sri Lanka, valuable insights have come to light. According to the career report for the third quarter of 2016, published by www.everjobs.lk, the following sectors have the highest number of vacancies and the mentioned job positions are the most demanded:

1. Education and Training – Teacher, Training Coordinator, Lecturer
2. Accounting and Finance – Accountant, Account Executive, Accounts Assistant
3. IT/Software – Software Engineer, Senior Software Engineer
4. Administrative – Admin. Executive, Admin. Manager, Admin. Assistant
5. Sales – Sales Manager, Sales executive
6. Logistics – Logistic Executive, Logistic Assistant

The market growth in these industries create many job opportunities since the profitability of the industry creates more enterprises. Increased investment within the country as well as Foreign Direct Investment facilitates new startups and the expansion of existing companies and thus those who possess the relevant qualifications, skills or experience to work in one of these thriving sectors, stand a greater chance to get a good job that not only promises lucrative pay and rewards but also stability and long term career enhancement.

If you are in your final year at college, wondering which career path to undertake or a student just about begin your higher education, some of the best advice you can take comes from well-rounded data analysis and career reports. It’s high time to quit doing what everyone else is doing or letting your friends, neighbours and family give you career advice (albeit backed with valid facts). Sri Lankans have an immense tendency to be influenced by others when it comes to making important life decisions. Apparently the sociology prevalent among our people and the familial-relationships determine what job you choose rather than the statistics of the job market.

Perhaps you may already be working and may have realised your job is heading nowhere. Why would you want to get stuck in a career with a ladder full of broken rungs? It is never too late to start again, weighing your options meticulously with rigorous research on the current trends in the job market. A stagnant industry may pay you well in the short term and attachment to comfort zones may discourage any changes. However, considering your job security and career growth in a few years’ time is an essential planning you might have to think about. Jeopardizing your future by choosing to ignore the facts, trends and data spells impending doom.

On the other hand, the dynamic nature of markets and the complexity of the business world, along with discoveries and technological breakthroughs may create new patterns and employment in infant industries in the future. New opportunities can lead to career avenues not even thought of at present. However, placing your feet on the ground, it makes more sense to use reliable information to make career decisions rather than to focus on prospects nearly invisible in the distant horizon.

Another astonishing fact revealed by www.everjobs.lk is the male-female ratio of job applicants. The ratio stands at 65% and 35% for males and females respectively. This asymmetrical proportion is a reflection of low levels of female participation in the labour force. Encouraging more women to join the labour market can fuel economic growth and better living standards for our nation due to the collective output of a larger labour force.

Locations in Sri Lanka with the highest number of job vacancies are as follows:

Basically, it’s time to learn the facts and shuffle yourself to the right industry and location to obtain the best possible job which propels your personal and career progression.

Source- Killru, A. (N.A.) Everything You Need to Know about the Best Jobs in Lanka’s Job Market, Available at: http://www.pulse.lk/everythingelse/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-best-jobs-in-lankas-job-market/ (Accessed: 18th May 2018).