Identifying Factors affecting rural youth unemployment in Sri Lanka.

Abstract

The United Nations defines the term “Youth” as group pf people between the ages of 15 and 24. According the Department of Census and Statistics unemployed is defined as a person who does not have a job for more than four weeks and who is willing, available and is taking all the necessary actions to find a job and ready to accept a job offer within two weeks. Unemployment is considered as a multidimensional concept that integrates economic, political, social dimensions. The purpose of this study, which was based on the research problem of what factors affect rural youth unemployment in Ibbagamuwa Divisional Secretariat Division, was to show how those factors affect rural youth unemployment. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Secondary data was collected using literature review and google information. Convenience sampling methods were applied to select 100 sample respondents from the Ibbagamuwa Divisional Secretariat Division. Multiple Linear Regression model was used for analyzing data. This research took six months to complete. Tables, graphs, maps were used to present the data. Skills mismatches, including language, digital literacy affect youth unemployment. The study also showed that young women, young people with post-secondary education, vocationally trained, high levels of language and digital literacy with young people are more likely to be unemployed. Based on the findings of the study, the government and all relevant institutions should expand higher education centers that help youth acquire technical skills to create their own jobs. Furthermore, policy makers are encouraged to rethink possible reforms in education and vocational training system to improve the knowledge, skills, attitudes of young people.