An investigation in to Youth Unemployment in Sri Lanka: Special Reference to Matale District

Abstract

Young people are defined as those who are between the ages of 15 and 24 they hold the key to a country's future. The unemployment among the youth is a critical problem for achieving the macro economic objectives of a country which will be directed to the illegal activities. Both labor demand and supply play a significant role in determining whether or not youths are unemployed. When it comes to the job markets and the youth workforce in Sri Lanka, it appears that there is no proper relationship between labor demand and labor supply. Although there is a significant demand for competent youth labor in Sri Lanka, the quality and competent labour supply is not enough to meet the labour demand of both national and international market. The objective was to study the affecting factors on employability of the youths in Sri Lanka. Mixed research approach, both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed using primary data and secondary data. 200 young people who are living in the Matale district were selected using convenience sampling technique. Binary logistic regression was conducted through SPSS 22.0. Educational qualifications, professional qualifications, training & experiences, English proficiency, and basic IT skills had a significance negative relationship between youth unemployment in Matale district in Sri lanka. Expand young people's employment and Vocational training possibilities, establishing career guidance centers, increasing number and quality of jobs/ internships availability, increasing awareness programs, creating entrepreneur and positive mindsets, restructuring education system, proper government attention and contribution are the major recommendations to fulfill the gap between youth labor demand and supply in Sri Lanka.