Labour Shortage: Does Sri Lanka Need Foreign Workers?

Sri Lanka is facing a growing labour shortage, with more than 400,000 vacancies reported across construction, manufacturing, healthcare and other key industries. As skilled workers migrate, the population ages and younger workers move away from manual occupations, businesses are struggling to find the people they need to operate and expand.

Could foreign workers help close this gap? In this discussion, the Advocata Institute examines the economic consequences of labour shortages, the role of migration and remittances, the limits of automation, and how foreign workers can bring valuable skills and knowledge into the country. The conversation also explores public concerns around immigration, social integration, work visas and the need for a clear national labour migration policy.