Importance and potential to think out of the box to develop GIG economy in Sri Lanka to solve unemployment
Posted on May 21st, 2026
Dr Sarath Obeysekera
Gig workers” are people who work on short-term, flexible jobs instead of permanent full-time employment.
The term comes from the gig economy,” where workers are paid per task, delivery, ride, project, or assignment.
Common examples include:
- Taxi and delivery app drivers such as Uber, PickMe, or food delivery riders
- Freelance graphic designers, programmers, writers, or translators
- Temporary construction or hotel workers hired per project
- Online workers on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork
Characteristics of gig work:
- Flexible working hours
- Usually no permanent employer
- Workers are often paid per job/task
- Limited job security and benefits such as EPF, ETF, pensions, or medical insurance
In many countries, governments are debating:
- Whether gig workers should receive labour protections
- Minimum wages and insurance
- Taxation and regulation of foreign gig workers
In the Sri Lankan context, people may also use the term for:
- App-based drivers and delivery riders
- Casual tourism and restaurant staff
- Online freelance workers earning foreign income
- Contract labour brought from abroad for specific industries
The phrase gig workers” is increasingly important because digital platforms are changing traditional employment systems worldwide.
*India’s Gig Economy* is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the world. Our gig workers are 10 million ie. One Crore today and projected to rise to 2.35 Crore or 23.5 million by 2029–30. Gig workers are defined to be independent contractors working for Platform based service /goods market operators. While they make our lives better their own lives are difficult and this Podcast is raising the issues faced by them and PPP based solutions for the same. If you too sympathise with their cause then do forward it to your friends and help their upliftment become a National priority.
Your link to podcast is https://youtu.be/sFhBT68iD2c
State vocational training institutes should update and upgrade training and help youths to be GIG worker and feed the family and get away from
Tax – net and yet contribute to the falling economy
In UK they have Checked a Trade
In Sri Lanka we have Honda Bas ( හොඳ බාස් ?
Regards
Dr Sarath Obeysekera