Even as the graduates are switching into driving tuk-tuks in Sri Lanka to make a fast buck, the country, which has overseen robust economic growth since the 37-year civil war ended in 2009, is facing facing a labour crisis, according to Amal Jayasinghe of AFP news agency.
The construction industry, undergoing an unprecedented post-war boom, has been forced to turn to India, Bangladesh and Nepal for the 400,000 workers it needs to build the hotels and condominiums springing up in Sri Lanka’s cities.
Advertisements aimed at Nepali workers placed in industry magazines promote $450-a-month (SL Rs. 69,000) salaries plus annual return airfares and health and accident insurance.
Some construction companies are giving away motorcycles and small cars as incentives to retain skilled workers who commit to two to five years of service.
The government meanwhile hopes rising wages and economic optimism will encourage some of the estimated two million Sri Lankan workers abroad to return home and enjoy the good times.
“Already in the construction industry, the wages are comparable with what is offered in Middle Eastern countries,” said Mangala Samaraweera, Sri Lanka’s finance minister.
“I am sure many will prefer to return because they will be closer to their families and working conditions are much better here (in Sri Lanka).” READ MORE
