The brain drain that will lead to yet another disastrous situation for the country
The ongoing massive rush to obtain passports at the Department of Immigration and Emigration reported recently indicates the exodus of our citizens overseas for employment.
No wonder. The present parlous and worsening economic, social and political crises as never experienced before, have compelled a vast number of Sri Lankans to consider foreign employment as the only option to tide over the numerous difficulties that they are forced to undergo to sustain lives and livelihoods.
To top it all, the constant claims and warnings by various experts not only of further deterioration of the economy but also of impending threats of a food crisis, loss of employment -- already many are either out of their jobs or under employed - have added to the worries and woes of so many frustrated and desperate youth. They have now decided that enough is enough and are seeking greener pastures in foreign lands triggering a huge rush for passports, as reported.
In addition to our already and seriously ailing economy, we are now faced with an inevitable brain drain, so to speak, leading to an unprecedented and unestimated loss of valuable human resources which would lead to yet another disastrous situation in the short, medium and long-term for the country. It is considered globally that human capital of a country is sine qua non for its development.
There are already shortages of skilled professionals in many disciplines such as health, engineering, manufacturing, IT and so on, mainly due to permanent/ temporary migration which itself is unfortunately making our country very much poorer even where its human capital is concerned. Our loss is their gain indeed.
Moreover, the skilled job seekers -- the likes of electricians, plumbers, technicians, drivers, carpenters, masons etc. are all in high demand not only in West Asia but also in many European countries, creating ample job opportunities for Sri Lankans as well.
On one hand, the loss of precious manpower at all levels as it is, may appear unimportant to the majority of our shortsighted politicians who are only interested in getting more and more foreign remittances through migrant workers and selling whatever assets of our country, come what may! On the other hand, we already have scores of foreign professionals in various fields in both state and corporate sectors draining out the much-needed foreign exchange!
M.R.Pathirage Kolonnawa