The Best Job Opportunities for Sri Lankans In 2022

We are living in a period of flux – with some occupations being lost to automation, while others demand specialised skills and credentials. Let’s all face it. Being broke is no joke, and for us here in Sri Lanka, it seems like we’ve hit rock bottom. We were just in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic when national crisis 2.0 hit with all its economic and political turmoil. Currently, it’s just been a back-to-back struggle; and with basic necessities turning into luxuries, we’re finding it difficult to make ends meet, let alone achieve our financial goals.

And while most of us have turned our gazes overseas amidst all this chaos, there still are a fair amount of local industries with great development potential and financial prospects that might be overlooked. Whether you’re a school leaver trying to decide on a field to major in, a college graduate looking to enter into the job market, or a well-seasoned member of the workforce looking for a career change – these are definitely worth considering.

And that’s where we come in! Taking into account current economic trends, stock market and other financial data, revenue and employment statistics as well as major investments, significant government procurements and other business opportunities; we bring to you this guide for Sri Lankan jobseekers – so you can stay one step ahead of the job hunt at all times and land a great break! Read on to see if any of these seem to be a good match for you!

Information Technology (IT) and Software Development

This one’s a no-brainer and definitely the first on the list. With an app, website or data system for anything and everything these days, and every business digitally transforming its operations – this industry is extremely broad and is here to stay.

• Job opportunities: Software engineers, Systems/business analysts, Full stack developers, Data scientists
• Biggest employers: Millennium Information Technologies, Virtusa, IFS R & D International, Metatechno Lanka, WSO2, 99x, Accenture Lanka
• Qualifications required: Bachelor’s degree in Computer/ Data Science, Information Technology, Information Technology Management, Software Engineering, Data Networking or Cybersecurity (growing field in Sri Lanka)

E-commerce and Online Retail and Sales

Yet another obvious choice, this is an expanding field with growth in e-commerce expected to easily outpace overall retail growth over the next four years. This was indicated in a recent survey by Takas.lk that found that while overall, the retail market in Sri Lanka is projected to expand by 5% annually, e-commerce will simultaneously expand by 71% to reach USD 4 billion.

• Job opportunities: Website designers, Google Ads and SEO specialists, Digital marketers
• Biggest employers: Kapruka, Daraz.lk, Wow.lk, Mydeal.lk, Takas.lk, Kaymu.lk and Bigdeals.lk
• Qualifications required: Bachelor’s degree in Web Design, Digital Marketing, etc.

Travel and Tourism

Another one of Sri Lanka’s trademark industries and growth catalysts, whose financial benefits (while might not lie in above-par pay) definitely become evident in the perks of free travel and accommodation/experiences that come along with the job. I mean what do we want to earn for, if not to travel and see the world?

• Job opportunities: Travel consultants, Ticketing executives, Pilots, Air hostesses, Hotel and restaurant managers, Chefs, Tour guides, Front desk staff and more!
• Biggest employers: Expolanka Holdings (Classic Travel), SriLankan Airlines, Cinnamon Life, Jetwing Hotels, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts (Marriott Bonvoy), Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts Management and Onyx Hospitality Group
• Qualifications required: Bachelor’s degree or apprenticeships in aviation services, hospitality management, culinary arts and more depending on the job portfolio

Infrastructure Development, Real Estate and Construction

This includes planning, engineering, construction, equipment provision and services for infrastructure development projects (roads, power plants, sewage systems, water, rail, sea ports and airports) and the development of high-end residential and commercial spaces, hotels and resorts. This contributed an estimated 4% to GDP in 2020 (annual value of USD 3.9 billion). While the industry suffers a setback due to the back to back crises, it is expected to pick up in the near future.

• Job opportunities: Civil, mechanical, structural and electrical engineers, Architects, Project managers, Land and quantity surveyors, Construction supervisors
• Biggest employers: Nawaloka Constructions Company, MAGA Engineering, Browns Engineering and Construction (LOLC Holdings Plc), Colombo Port City Project
• Qualifications required: Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Structural or Electrical Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying

Knowledge or Business Process Outsourcing (KPO/BPO)

The KPO/BPO industry is an emerging sector in Sri Lanka that has come a long distance since the 2000s and has been able to attract some of the KPO/BPO giants in the world. It has also gained a growing reputation for niche areas of employment.

• Job opportunities: Financial and related-professional services, Transaction processing, Document management, Call centre and other services
• Biggest employers: HSBC Data Processing Lanka, WNS Global Services, RR Donnelley Global Outsourcing, Copal Amba (a Moody’s Analytics company), HelloCorp
• Qualifications required: Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Accounting or Administration, and customer care qualifications

Textiles

Sri Lanka’s apparel export industry is the most significant and dynamic contributor to the economy, occupying a pre-eminent position in servicing leading international brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Liz Claiborne, Next, Jones New York, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Pink, Triumph and Marks & Spencer.

• Job opportunities: Fabric and garment technologists, HR managers, Factory managers, Product designers
• Biggest employers: Brandix Lanka, Hirdaramani Apparel, Hela Clothing, MAS Holdings
• Qualifications required: Bachelor’s degree or certificate in Textile Design, Product Development, HR, Management, etc.

Agriculture

While this is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest industries, the agriculture sector still contributes about 10.9% to our national GDP, which definitely gains it a place on this list of cream of the crop job opportunities!

• Job opportunities: Climate-smart agricultural specialists, Field officers, Estate managers, Agronomists
• Biggest employers: Ministry of Agriculture, Hayleys Agriculture, Nestle Sri Lanka, Lanka Organico Agro Farms, Jagro, Kandy Plantations (Renuka Group), CIC Holdings
• Qualifications required: Bachelor’s Degree or diploma in Agriculture, Agricultural/Food Science or Agricultural Technology

There you have it folks – our round-up of the best sectors in Sri Lanka that you should definitely keep an eye out for. With 2022 more than half done, we hope this helps you level-up and future-proof your skillset whether you are considering a lifelong profession or even transferring into a new industry. Here’s wishing financial fulfilment and happy earning to all!

Are you currently employed in any of these industries or firms, or looking to apply? Which job skills do you think are going to be the most profitable going forward? And have we missed out on any great money-churning job opportunities? Do let us know in the comments section!

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