Dr. Sarath Obeysekera

From the events around Tiananmen Square in China to periods of political unrest and mass protests witnessed over the years in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Thailand, history reminds us that governments must pay close attention to the aspirations of their people. Although each country’s circumstances are different, one common lesson is that economic opportunity is essential for long-term stability.

Sri Lanka should learn from these experiences. Creating only digital and AI-related jobs will not be enough to provide employment for the thousands of young people entering the workforce each year.

We must also develop heavy industries that create large numbers of skilled jobs—shipbuilding, offshore engineering, steel fabrication, petroleum refining, marine engineering, machinery manufacturing, and renewable energy industries.

Our strategic location, deep-water harbours such as Trincomalee, and our engineering talent give Sri Lanka a unique opportunity to become a regional industrial hub.

Vocational training for welders, fabricators, machinists, electricians, pipe fitters, and offshore technicians must receive the same national recognition as university education in IT and AI.

A nation that builds industries builds prosperity. A nation that provides productive employment strengthens social stability.

Sri Lanka’s future should be based on a balanced economy where Artificial Intelligence and heavy industry grow together, creating opportunities for all and ensuring lasting economic resilience.

Heavy Industry Creates Sustainable Employment

Countries that have achieved rapid industrial development have generally built strong foundations in manufacturing, engineering, shipbuilding, energy, transport infrastructure, and heavy engineering.

Heavy industries create employment not only for engineers but also for:

● Welders

● Fabricators

● Machinists

● Electricians

● Pipe fitters

● Mechanical technicians

● Instrumentation specialists

● Crane operators

● Surveyors

● Quality assurance inspectors

● Safety professionals

● Logistics personnel

Every major industrial project generates thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the supply chain.

Sri Lanka’s Untapped Potential

Sri Lanka possesses many natural advantages:

● One of the world’s busiest maritime routes.

● Deep-water natural harbours such as Trincomalee.

● A strategic location between the Middle East, Africa and East Asia.

● A technically capable workforce that has demonstrated its skills in shipbuilding and marine engineering.

These strengths should be transformed into national industries.

The country should actively promote:

● Offshore engineering

● Ship repair and shipbuilding

● FPSO conversion projects

● Oil and gas support services

● Marine fabrication

● Steel fabrication

● Renewable energy equipment manufacturing

● Industrial machinery assembly

● Petroleum refining

● Petrochemical industries

● Marine equipment manufacturing

These industries generate foreign exchange while creating long-term, high-value employment.

Vocational Education Must Receive Equal Recognition

Not every talented young Sri Lankan needs to become a software engineer.

Many successful industrialised nations highly value skilled trades. Certified welders, precision machinists, industrial electricians and offshore technicians often earn incomes comparable to many university graduates.

Sri Lanka must therefore strengthen vocational education through internationally recognised certification and close collaboration with industry.

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera