https://www.ft.lk/opinion/Warning-s...-GauDvbT2PADjO7GjQ_aem_6y0sQCJonjh__YsVkC4t8Q
The article revisits issues discussed in a 2011 column about Sri Lanka's IT-BPM (Information Technology and Business Process Management) sector, which has struggled with both the quantity and quality of its workforce. Despite being ranked among the Top 25 countries for outsourcing services, Sri Lanka faces significant challenges, especially in terms of human resources. The country lags behind regional peers like Bangladesh and Pakistan in skills and availability of workers.
While Sri Lanka remains an attractive option for outsourcing due to its low costs, it risks losing its position as global rankings shift to prioritize digital skills, legal protections, and other business activities over cost. As international indices evolve, countries like the US, UK, and Singapore are advancing while Sri Lanka’s reliance on cheap labor may no longer be enough to maintain its competitiveness. The article warns that unless drastic reforms are made in education and workforce development, Sri Lanka risks falling further behind in the global IT-BPM sector.
The article revisits issues discussed in a 2011 column about Sri Lanka's IT-BPM (Information Technology and Business Process Management) sector, which has struggled with both the quantity and quality of its workforce. Despite being ranked among the Top 25 countries for outsourcing services, Sri Lanka faces significant challenges, especially in terms of human resources. The country lags behind regional peers like Bangladesh and Pakistan in skills and availability of workers.
While Sri Lanka remains an attractive option for outsourcing due to its low costs, it risks losing its position as global rankings shift to prioritize digital skills, legal protections, and other business activities over cost. As international indices evolve, countries like the US, UK, and Singapore are advancing while Sri Lanka’s reliance on cheap labor may no longer be enough to maintain its competitiveness. The article warns that unless drastic reforms are made in education and workforce development, Sri Lanka risks falling further behind in the global IT-BPM sector.
