Brain drain is currently most pressing issue: Nimal Siripala de Silva

The most pressing issue our country currently confronts is the brain drain, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

He said highly skilled professionals such as doctors and engineers, as well as individuals who have benefited from free education, are now opting to leave the country in pursuit of higher salaries abroad.

However, it is unacceptable to exploit the benefits of free education and take advantage of everything offered in this country, only to bid farewell to our homeland in search of better opportunities elsewhere, minister Silva said.

Moreover, there are committed citizens employed in this sector who possess a genuine passion for their work and a strong dedication to serve our motherland, he added.

"As the Minister, I would like to seize this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to them," Minister de Silva concluded. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)