ECONOMYNEXT \u2014 Nearly half of young Sri Lankans would leave the country if given the opportunity, even as a large majority report a strong sense of national belonging, according to findings from a nationwide survey.<\/p>\n
The \u201cMy Sri Lanka | Next\u201d study, conducted by Global Unites South Asia in partnership with the Centenary Movement, surveyed 2,418 respondents across all 25 districts alongside 22 provincial consultations to capture the concerns of Gen Z and younger Millennials.<\/p>\n
The survey found that 80 percent of respondents identify primarily as Sri Lankan, and 73.7 percent feel a strong national belonging. However, 49.1 percent stated they would leave Sri Lanka if given the opportunity. Among Gen Z respondents alone, the desire to migrate reached 52.7 percent. Even among those who felt strong national belonging, 42.4 percent expressed a willingness to leave.<\/p>\n
The findings point directly to worsening living conditions, job scarcity, and economic uncertainty as the main drivers pushing youth abroad.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the launch, Prashan De Visser, Founder and President of Global Unites, warned that Sri Lanka must urgently address youth grievances before historical patterns re-emerge:<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we look at Sri Lanka, our initial studies showed that almost every 15 to 18 years, we\u2019ve experienced cycles of violence. And we are sitting at an 18-year mark.\u201d<\/p>\n
Economic pressure was reported as widespread, with 69.8 percent of respondents stating they are financially stressed or struggling, and 16.6 percent struggling to afford basic essentials. Financial stress peaked at 84.3 percent in the Northern Province and 78.3 percent in the Eastern Province, compared to 63.5 percent in the Western Province.<\/p>\n
The report also showed that exposure to discrimination significantly increases the intent to leave. Among respondents who experienced discrimination, 55.8 percent were willing to emigrate, compared with 37.0 percent of those who did not report discrimination.<\/p>\n
Addressing the assembled civic leaders, De Visser stressed that the country must build an environment where the younger generation can thrive:<\/p>\n
\u201cSri Lanka deserves better. Our children deserve better. We have the power to be part of that change, and that is what today is all about,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The survey authors emphasized that intent to leave does not measure actual departures, but reflects an urgent need to make a viable future possible within the country. (Colombo\/Nov04\/2026)<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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