365,951 unemployed in Sri Lanka, PM tells Parliament
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today (Nov. 26) that 365,951 individuals are currently unemployed in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a question from Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Prime Minister said the 2024 Labour Force Survey showed a decline in the national unemployment rate—from 4.5% in early 2024 to 3.8% in 2025. The rate for the second quarter of 2024, previously 4.7%, had also dropped to 3.8% this year.
She provided a breakdown of unemployed individuals by educational qualifications:
• Below G.C.E. Ordinary Level: 103,308
• G.C.E. O/L qualified: 91,405
• G.C.E. A/L qualified: 128,984
• Degree or higher qualifications: 42,254
Amarasuriya added that more than 12,000 graduates have already been employed, with efforts ongoing to recruit the remaining graduates in line with the government’s policy.
Related News
PM says Government allocates Rs. 749 Billion for education in 2027 Budget
Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced in Parliament today (November 13) that the government has allocated Rs. 749 billion…
Read More
2027 Budget strengthens school infrastructure, digital learning to advance education reforms
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced that the government will continue implementing national education reforms despite opposition, backed by increased financial support…
Read More
University academic allowance to increase by Rs. 25,000 in two phases under 2027 Budget
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, under the 2027 Budget proposed a Rs. 25,000 increase in the monthly academic allowance for university academic staff,…
Read More
2027 Budget proposes VAT exemption on exercise books, printed educational materials
Under the 2027 Budget, the government has proposed removing Value Added Tax (VAT) on school exercise books, textbooks, and several other printed…
Read More
Cabinet approves US University pacts for Jaffna University, Arthur C. Clarke Institute
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved two separate proposals to execute five year Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with universities in the United…
Read MoreCourses
-
The future of higher education tech: why industry needs purpose-built solutions
For years, Institutions and education agencies have been forced to rely on a patchwork of horizontal SaaS solutions – general tools that… -
MBA in Project Management & Artificial Intelligence – Oxford College of Business
In an era defined by rapid technological change, organizations increasingly demand leaders who not only understand traditional project management, but can also… -
Scholarships for 2025 Postgraduate Diploma in Education for SLEAS and SLTES Officers
The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has announced the granting of full scholarships for the one-year weekend Postgraduate Diploma… -
Shape Your Future with a BSc in Business Management (HRM) at Horizon Campus
Human Resource Management is more than a career. It’s about growing people, building organizational culture, and leading with purpose. Every impactful journey… -
ESOFT UNI Signs MoU with Box Gill Institute, Australia
ESOFt UNI recently hosted a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with Box Hill Institute, Australia, signaling a significant step in… -
Ace Your University Interview in Sri Lanka: A Guide with Examples
Getting into a Sri Lankan sate or non-state university is not just about the scores. For some universities' programmes, your personality, communication… -
MCW Global Young Leaders Fellowship 2026
MCW Global (Miracle Corners of the World) runs a Young Leaders Fellowship, a year-long leadership program for young people (18–26) around the… -
Enhance Your Arabic Skills with the Intermediate Language Course at BCIS
BCIS invites learners to join its Intermediate Arabic Language Course this November and further develop both linguistic skills and cultural understanding. Designed… -
Achieve Your American Dream : NCHS Spring Intake Webinar
NCHS is paving the way for Sri Lankan students to achieve their American Dream. As Sri Lanka’s leading pathway provider to the… -
National Diploma in Teaching course : Notice
A Gazette notice has been released recently, concerning the enrollment of aspiring teachers into National Colleges of Education for the three-year pre-service… -
IMC Education Features Largest Student Recruitment for QIU’s October 2025 Intake
Quest International University (QIU), Malaysia recently hosted a pre-departure briefing and high tea at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo for its incoming… -
Global University Employability Ranking according to Times Higher Education
Attending college or university offers more than just career preparation, though selecting the right school and program can significantly enhance your job… -
Diploma in Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH) – CIPM
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) is proud to announce the launch of its Diploma in Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH),… -
Small Grant Scheme for Australia Awards Alumni Sri Lanka
Australia Awards alumni are warmly invited to apply for a grant up to AUD 5,000 to support an innovative project that aim… -
PIM Launches Special Programme for Newly Promoted SriLankan Airlines Managers
The Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) has launched a dedicated Newly Promoted Manager Programme designed to strengthen the leadership and management capabilities…
Newswire
-
510 litres of illicit liquor-making material seized in Balangoda raid
ON: November 14, 2026 -
Treasure hunt inside house: Three arrested in Nikaweratiya
ON: November 14, 2026 -
“The bowlers didn’t know?” David Warner drops Sandpapergate bombshell
ON: November 14, 2026 -
Another suspect arrested over murder of restaurant owner and wife in Kalutara
ON: November 14, 2026
