Dr Sarath Obeysekera

Sri Lanka today faces a moment of quiet urgency. Global conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, are likely to reverse labour flows that have sustained our economy for decades. Thousands of Sri Lankan workers—skilled, semi-skilled, and domestic—may return home within a short span of time. If unprepared, this will strain our economy. If managed wisely, it can transform our nation.

This is not a burden. It is an opportunity.

For years, Sri Lanka has depended heavily on foreign remittances while underutilising its own productive capacity. The return of experienced workers—welders, fabricators, marine technicians, caregivers, and disciplined labourers—presents a rare chance to redirect human capital toward national development.

A National Reconstruction Brigade

Sri Lanka should establish a voluntary, paid National Reconstruction Brigade (NRB). This is not forced labour, nor a revival of rigid ideological systems. Rather, it is a structured programme that channels available manpower into priority sectors: marine services, agriculture, fisheries, construction, and renewable energy.

Participants should include returning migrant workers, unemployed youth, and technical trainees, supported by retired professionals who can offer guidance and supervision. Such a programme would instill discipline, provide income, and create visible national assets.

Unlike the centrally controlled mobilisation seen in the former Soviet Union, Sri Lanka must adopt a modern, incentive-based approach that respects individual freedom while encouraging collective effort.

Port-Led Development: Unlocking Strategic Assets

Sri Lanka’s geographic advantage remains underexploited. Key ports such as Trincomalee, Galle, and Oluvil can serve as engines of growth if developed through transparent public-private partnerships.

Trincomalee, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, is ideal for industrial and energy-related activities. Galle can evolve into a regional hub for яхт services, repairs, and marine tourism. Oluvil, strategically located in the East, can be revitalised as a fisheries and coastal trade centre.

By clustering marine engineering, fabrication yards, and logistics services around these ports, Sri Lanka can generate employment while building export-oriented industries.

Negombo Lagoon: A Marine Opportunity

Closer to Colombo, Negombo Lagoon offers immense untapped potential. With proper planning, it can be transformed into a яхт marina, repair facility, and training centre for marine technicians. This would complement tourism while creating skilled employment aligned with global maritime demand.

Feeding the Nation: Reforming Fisheries

Sri Lanka must also prioritise food security. The fisheries sector, though rich in potential, suffers from fragmentation and inefficiency. Introducing fish collector vessels, cold storage systems, and cooperative ownership models can stabilise supply, reduce waste, and ensure fair income for fishermen.

A nation surrounded by the sea should never struggle to feed its people.

Learning from History

History offers powerful lessons. After World War II, countries like Germany and Japan rebuilt their economies through disciplined labour, industrial focus, and strong institutional frameworks. Their success was not driven by coercion, but by organisation, vision, and accountability.

Sri Lanka had a similar opportunity after the end of the civil conflict in 2009. That moment passed without full realisation. We must not repeat that mistake.

The Role of the Military

The Sri Lankan armed forces possess engineering capability, discipline, and organisational strength. They can support infrastructure development, disaster response, and training programmes. However, their role must remain supportive rather than dominant, ensuring that civilian economic activity continues to lead growth.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Coercion

Calls for forced mobilisation—whether of transport workers, youth, or informal sector participants—may appear efficient in theory but often lead to inefficiency, resistance, and long-term damage. Similarly, the notion of a benevolent dictatorship” is fraught with risk; history shows that concentrated power rarely remains benevolent.

Sri Lanka must instead pursue disciplined democracy—firm leadership guided by transparency, accountability, and professional expertise.

A Structured National Effort

What is needed is a National Economic Council comprising experienced professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to guide a 10-year development strategy. Clear targets, measurable outcomes, and incentive-based participation can align the nation toward common goals.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka does not lack talent or resilience. It lacks coordination and direction.

The return of migrant workers, combined with a structured national programme, can revitalise key sectors, strengthen food security, and reduce dependence on imports. This is a moment to convert uncertainty into progress.

At this stage in life, many experienced Sri Lankans may feel they have little to contribute physically. But their knowledge, guidance, and voice are invaluable. Nation-building is not only the work of the young—it is the responsibility of all generations.

If we act with clarity and purpose, Sri Lanka can emerge stronger from global instability—not as a victim of circumstance, but as a nation that chose to rebuild itself.

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera