Sri Lanka brain drain worsens as nearly 3,000 doctors and academics leave, while around 2,000 more doctors reportedly prepare to migrate.
The Sri Lanka brain drain is deepening, with nearly 3,000 doctors, specialists and university academics reportedly leaving the country amid economic and professional pressures.
Another approximately 2,000 doctors are preparing to move overseas in the near future, raising fresh concerns over the loss of highly trained professionals.
According to data from the Government Medical Officers’ Association, 1,489 specialist doctors left Sri Lanka between 2022 and 2024 alone.
Overall, around 2,500 doctors have left government service.
It is estimated that this medical brain drain has caused the Government a financial loss exceeding Rs. 12 billion.
The university sector is facing a similarly serious problem.
The Committee on Public Enterprises has revealed that 514 academics who travelled abroad on postgraduate or study leave failed to return and resume their duties.
The amount reportedly owed to the Government and the university system by these academics is approximately Rs. 3.4 billion.
The Sri Lanka brain drain is also reflected in broader migration figures.
Last year alone, 310,915 people left the country for foreign employment and migration-related opportunities.
According to data from the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and the Central Bank, 76% of those departures involved skilled and professional workers.
That represents more than 236,900 people.
Investigations indicate that economic difficulties remain a major reason behind the continuing migration of professionals.
Other factors include the pursuit of higher education opportunities and decisions to settle permanently in foreign countries.
The growing departure of doctors, academics and other skilled workers therefore represents more than a migration trend.
It is also placing pressure on Sri Lanka’s health, education and public-sector systems while increasing the financial cost of losing professionals whose training was supported by the State.
