For many of us, cows are just another farm animal, but for some, they hold a special place in their hearts. The image of a young calf drinking milk from its mother is a reminder of the importance of animal welfare and our responsibility to treat all living creatures with kindness and respect.
As the President of the Sri Lanka Association of Australia
Awards Alumni (SLAAAA), I am deeply concerned about the risks and dangers
associated with irregular migration from Sri Lanka to Australia. Many people in
Sri Lanka are attracted to the idea of migrating to Australia in search of
better opportunities and a better life. However, the journey is fraught with
danger and risk, and it is important to raise awareness about these issues.
Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, has experienced significant economic growth and development in recent years. However, the country still faces various challenges, including poverty, unemployment, political instability, and conflict. These factors have led to a significant number of Sri Lankans migrating to other countries, including Australia, in search of better opportunities.
To address these
challenges, the Youth in Agrifood Export Development Program was initiated to
promote the participation of the youth in the agriculture and food processing
sectors and to create opportunities for them to establish and expand their
enterprises. This program aims to enhance the productivity, quality, and
competitiveness of the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka by empowering the youth
and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The Eastern
Province of Sri Lanka is a region with significant agricultural potential, and
the Youth in Agrifood Export Development Program is expected to have a
significant impact on the economic development of the region. This road map
outlines the key focus areas, policies, proposed actions and sub-actions, and
responsibilities that need to be addressed to support the Youth in Agrifood
Export Development Program in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka.
This road map
was developed based on a review of relevant national policies and programs and
consultations with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private
sector organizations, and civil society organizations. It provides a framework
for implementing the proposed actions and sub-actions and ensuring the
sustainability of the program.
We believe that
the successful implementation of this road map will contribute to the economic
development of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka and the country as a whole,
and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to make this program a
success.
S.Thanigaseelan
Entrepreneurship is considered one of the important drivers of economic growth, innovation, and job creation, but women entrepreneurs face several challenges in starting and growing their businesses. The challenges faced by women entrepreneurs are more pronounced in rural areas of developing countries like Sri Lanka. Batticaloa is one such rural area in Sri Lanka where women entrepreneurs face several challenges in starting and growing their businesses. In this research article, we will compare the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Batticaloa with those in other rural areas in Sri Lanka or in other developing countries.
Sri Lanka's population is estimated to
be around 21 million, with women comprising approximately 57%. However, out of
the total economically active population of 8.5 million people, only 33.4% are
women, leaving almost 70% of the female population financially inactive.
In the agriculture sectors of tea, rubber, and coconut, women are predominantly employed in labor positions such as pluckers, tappers, and coir workers, with few occupying management roles. Similarly, the garment sector has a higher number of female workers but fewer in management. Migrant workers, mainly women working in domestic labor, contribute significantly to Sri Lanka's foreign exchange, but again, managerial roles are few.
Batticaloa has been recovering from the impact of the 2004
tsunami and the civil war that ended in 2009 and Covid also the recent economic
crisis. Amidst the challenges, the role of women in Batticaloa development has
been crucial in driving progress and building resilient communities.
Over the years, the region has undergone significant
changes, driven by its people's determination and resilience. Women in
Batticaloa have played a crucial role in the region's development, contributing
to various sectors, including agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, health,
and leadership.
Despite the progress made, women in Batticaloa still face
various challenges, including limited access to resources and opportunities,
gender-based discrimination, and cultural and societal barriers. Addressing
these challenges is crucial to ensure that women can fully participate in the
region's development and drive progress toward gender equality and sustainable
development.
In this article, delves into the statistics and insights on how women have been contributing to the growth of Batticaloa, from their roles in agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, health, and beyond. We also explore the challenges that hinder gender equality and how addressing them can further enhance the region's development.
Entrepreneurship is a crucial
component of economic development, and it plays a significant role in the
growth of any country. The shift towards entrepreneurship has been gaining
momentum globally, with countries encouraging their citizens to be job creators
rather than job seekers. In Sri Lanka, there is a growing need for
entrepreneurs to boost the economy, and universities have a critical role to
play in this regard. This article explores the importance of universities
producing entrepreneurs rather than employees in Sri Lanka, using statistical
data to support the argument.
Entrepreneurship has emerged as a
significant force in economic development globally. Countries worldwide are
encouraging their citizens to be job creators, rather than job seekers, and
this shift has been gaining momentum in Sri Lanka as well. In recent years,
there has been a growing recognition of the importance of entrepreneurship in
driving economic growth in the country. The need for entrepreneurs has never been
more critical, with the country's economy struggling due to the COVID-19
pandemic. Universities have a crucial role to play in this regard, as they are
tasked with producing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship has been identified as a key driver of economic growth in Sri Lanka. The government has implemented several policies and programmes to encourage entrepreneurship and create a more supportive environment for startups and small businesses. However, there are still several challenges that hinder the growth of entrepreneurship in the country.
Sri Lanka's labour market has been experiencing significant changes in recent years. Despite a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.5%, the country has been facing a persistent skills gap and mismatch in its workforce, which has been hindering economic growth and development.
The skills gap refers to the discrepancy between the skills required by employers and the skills possessed by job seekers. On the other hand, a skills mismatch occurs when workers are employed in jobs that do not match their qualifications, education, and skills. Both phenomena have been prevalent in Sri Lanka's labour market, and they have been posing significant challenges to the country's economic growth.
Sri Lanka's economy has been rapidly growing in recent years, but the country still faces a major challenge: a skills gap in its labour market. Despite having a relatively high literacy rate of 96%, Sri Lanka's workforce is lacking the necessary skills to meet the demands of its growing industries. This skills gap is hindering economic development and slowing the country's progress.
Unemployment
and poverty are two critical issues that affect millions of people worldwide,
leading to significant social, economic, and psychological consequences. In
Batticaloa, a city located in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, these issues
are particularly acute, and the Tamil community is disproportionately affected.
The aim of this research study is to explore the impact of limited employment
opportunities on the Tamil community in Batticaloa, with a particular focus on
unemployment and poverty.
Over the
past few decades, Batticaloa has experienced significant economic and political
upheaval. The region was ravaged by civil war for nearly three decades, leading
to the displacement of thousands of people and the destruction of
infrastructure and resources. While the end of the war in 2009 marked a new era
of hope and stability for the region, it has not translated into significant
economic growth or employment opportunities.
Recent statistical data highlights the severity of the unemployment and poverty situation in Batticaloa. According to the World Bank, the unemployment rate in Sri Lanka was 5.24% in 2021, but it was significantly higher in the Eastern Province, which includes Batticaloa. Sri Lanka's poverty is estimated to have risen to 25 percent in 2022 from 13 percent World Banks' Vice President for South Asia Region, Martin Raiser said as the country was hit by the worst currency crisis in the history of its intermediate regime central bank, but poverty is concentrated in certain regions, including the Eastern Province.
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