Sri Lanka must prioritise quality of life to retain talent: ADB Chief

By Nuzla Rizkiya

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) asserted that Sri Lanka should start laying a strong foundation that assures its people a high quality of life, which would help reduce the ‘brain drain’ of skilled workers leaving the country in search of better jobs and living standards in other countries.

According to ADB, the migration of young, skilled professionals, especially in evolving industries such as technology and hospitality, creates serious challenges for both Sri Lanka’s economy and society by weakening the workforce, slowing innovation and limiting growth in key sectors.

Speaking to Mirror Business in an exclusive interview, ADB Country Director Takafumi Kadono noted that this issue is even more pressing because of Sri Lanka’s rapidly aging population which is one of the fastest-growing in South Asia. 

As young people migrate, Kadono explained, the responsibility of caring for the elderly often falls to women, who may then be prevented from joining the workforce, which in turn hinders economic growth and the country’s overall development potential for years to come.

“The demographic pyramid is further distorted by this out-migration of youth and working-age people. They find jobs abroad, make the decision to take their families and go to another country. We cannot stop that. So we must make their own country more attractive where there is quality education, stability, freedom from corruption, job opportunities and gender equality as well. So I think establishing that foundation is the only way,” Kadono said.

He opined that most Sri Lankans want to stay in their homeland but are understandably concerned about the economic future, quality of life and educational opportunities available for their families. 

Describing these as push factors, Kadono also highlighted the pull factors, explaining that other countries actively seek Sri Lanka’s talented professionals, who are fluent in English and experienced in fields such as hospitality, technology, medicine and finance.

“I don’t think anyone has an answer for this issue. But it’s about building confidence among people. The presidential election showed that people want change and once these changes become visible, I hope people will stay and pursue their careers and lives here,” he said.

Read the full interview on Page 12