November 27, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament that Sri Lanka’s unemployment level has continued its downward trend, with the latest figures indicating that 365,951 people are currently without work across the country.
Citing the 2024 Labour Force Report, she noted that the national unemployment rate, which stood at 4.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, has fallen to 3.8 per cent this year.
Her remarks came in response to a query raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa under Standing Order 27/2. The Prime Minister added that the second quarter of 2024 recorded a rate of 4.7 per cent, showing that the reduction to 3.8 per cent represents a considerable improvement in labour market conditions.
She provided a breakdown of unemployment by educational level, explaining that 103,308 jobseekers have qualifications below the GCE Ordinary Level, while a further 91,405 have passed the O/Level examination. Meanwhile, 128,984 individuals with Advanced Level qualifications are still looking for work, along with 42,254 graduates and postgraduates.
Dr Amarasuriya said the Government has already placed more than 12,000 unemployed graduates in jobs and intends to absorb the remaining applicants in accordance with the National People’s Power policy framework.
Touching on the long-delayed teacher recruitment process, she confirmed that ongoing court proceedings have now concluded. The Ministry awaits formal notification from the Court of Appeal, after which appointments will begin.
