Sri Lanka ‘an example of youth development for South Asia’
Wednesday, 13 November 2013 00:00
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‘Youth’ is a significant asset in the development agenda of a country. They can be catalysts of change in the socio-economic growth momentum of a nation, if essential needs including access to quality education and health care facilities, better employment opportunities, and financial resources are being provided to them.
Investing in the future of Sri Lanka’s youth to maximise their potential is a key area which is discussed in the recently launched ‘Sri Lanka: State of the Economy 2013’ report. This report is the annual flagship publication of the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), the country’s apex think tank on socio-economic policy issues.
Harnessing youth potential
This year, the report focuses on ‘Sri Lanka’s Transition to a Middle Income Economy’, in which an incisive chapter on the importance of harnessing the youth potential to cater to the development process of the country has been discussed.
In Sri Lanka, youth, those between the ages of 15-29, account for nearly 26% of the total population in the country. As Sri Lanka move towards a transition to an upper middle income economy, many of the changes driving modern economies up the income ladder, such as technological innovation and globalisation, will immensely benefit the skilled and educated youth of the country. However, it is imperative to ensure that they are being provided with the necessary skills and resources to improve their capacity to engage in the development activities of the country.
Despite Sri Lanka being on track in achieving many of the targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), further attention should be given to youth development, supporting them to overcome the challenges including unemployment, poverty and educational dilemmas, and help them seize the opportunities in the global arena. Therefore, Sri Lanka needs to mindfully address the many constraints faced by the youth to fully integrate them in the political, economic and social continuum of the country.
Barriers to a
promising future
Over the years, youth unemployment and labour force participation rates in Sri Lanka have decreased over time, while noting that there is a positive boost in the youth in wage employment. In 2006, the youth unemployment rate was recorded at 17% and was reduced to 15% by 2010.
For the same periods, the youth unemployment rate reduced in both the estate and the rural sectors, yet, increased in the urban sector. Despite certain progress in the youth unemployment rate, it has been noted that the current rates for youth unemployment are still high in the country; a barrier to a promising future for Sri Lanka’s youth.
As discussed in this year’s ‘State of the Economy’ report, ‘skill mismatch’ is considered as one of the main reasons for youth unemployment in Sri Lanka. This is largely due to weaknesses in the education system in the country where the skills produced by the system are not valued by employers, thus, they are not interested in the existing labour force, resulting in more youth ending up unemployed.
However, the report also highlights the importance of youth taking better decisions in what they want to acquire in the future, rather than following the general trend. Further, youth foregoing available private sector employment for public sector employment is also another burgeoning concern in relation to youth unemployment. The report notes that educated youth are more likely to seek employment in the public sector as it is perceived to be more secure and prestigious. Thus, they are willing to hold on until such opportunities arise.
An imperative role
Youth play an imperative role in the broad discussion of poverty in Sri Lanka. During 2006/07, approximately 14.6% of youth in Sri Lanka were below the poverty line. However, by 2009/10, the figure was reduced to 8.9%, reflecting the overall poverty reduction in the country during these periods. Albeit the efforts of reducing the income poverty levels in the country, poverty caused by educational constraints, health conditions, and situational conditions such as exposure to conflict remains a challenge for future prospects of Sri Lankan youth.
In Sri Lanka’s transition to a middle income economy, equitable quality education is paramount if youth are to contribute towards the development process of the country. It is evident that positive progress has been made in achieving many of the education goals in the country, yet, new challenges in providing quality education services that are relevant to the changing demands of a rapidly growing economy remain a concern for sustainable development. Lack of avenues for reasonable higher education opportunities, absence of proper career guidance, mismatch between skills acquired through the education system and the requirements of the labour market have become aggravating concerns for youth in Sri Lanka.
As highlighted in this year’s report, health conditions are another barrier in maximising the youth potential in Sri Lanka’s transition to a middle income economy. This is a crucial factor as better health conditions determine the capacity of youth to be in education, be work force ready and productively contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country. Nonetheless, the report argues teenage pregnancy and knowledge on sexuality, alcohol and tobacco consumption, nutrition and youth wellbeing as issues which still require closer attention when aiming for sustained high growth and development.
Way forward
Youth is the lifeline of a nation, thus, addressing these barriers for a promising future is a high priority for a nation. As a developing country, Sri Lanka has been successful in achieving many of the youth related goals and stands as an example of youth development for South Asia. However, further attention such as skill training, raising awareness on the various educational and vocational training opportunities, career guidance and counselling, encouraging entrepreneurial partnerships, assisting with financial resources, effective enforcement of laws on substances which will harm youth development are some of the policy initiatives which can be strengthened to maximise the youth potential in Sri Lanka.
While policies seek to address most of the remaining barriers to maximise the youth potential of the country, young people in the country also have a responsibility in considering how they can positively contribute towards the development of the country in this transition to a middle income economy. Realising their competencies and excelling in them, rather than blindly following the general trend is of utmost importance as it will enhance their educational prospects and thereby in getting better employment opportunities. If youth take better decisions in selecting their education and become more competitive, they will be better equipped to participate fully in Sri Lanka’s economic development.
Therefore, investing in the future of youth is essential, and both policymakers and youth in the country should realise their full potential to achieve sustainable growth and development in Sri Lanka’s transition to a middle income economic status.
The complete ‘State of the Economy 2013’ report can be purchased from the publications section of the IPS, located at 100/20, Independence Avenue, Colombo 7. For more information, contact the Publications Unit on 0112143100.
