For many years, Sri Lanka experienced a steady “brain drain”, where highly-educated professionals sought out employment and started lives overseas. However, now this trend is slowly but surely reversing with a considerable number of them returning and settling back in the island.  The end of the 30-year domestic conflict in 2009 was an obvious factor for this reversal, while the post-war development and growth have added to the appeal.

With the global downturn affecting developed nations and the shift of world power balance towards East, the magic and romance of the West is fading and the ‘Asian Century’ is proving to be a correct prediction. Furthermore, many Sri Lankan migrants are finding themselves longing for pol sambol, king-coconut and the genuine warmth of being ‘home’. Looking after parents living in Sri Lanka and raising kids with traditional Sri Lankan values are other common reasons heard.

‘WorkInSriLanka’ (WISL) was formed in May 2013 to provide a support network primarily for such potential and recent returnees, to bring them into the engine of national development. This volunteer-run ‘Brain Gain’ initiative has come a long way over the last 18 months, and its main functions include:

• Maintaining a comprehensive information website (www.workinsrilanka.lk)
• Holding quarterly networking Meet-Ups for returnees
• Engaging with government and industry organizations to address challenges
• Working with corporates and government  to identify job opportunities and future skill needs

The upcoming Annual Conference on the theme of ‘New Era, New Opportunities’ is the biggest event in the WISL calendar, and will be held on 23^rd December 2014 at the Taj Samudra Hotel. It will be an invaluable opportunity for potential and recent returnees to network with heads of corporates and institutions as well as to gain a sound overall understanding via the key note addresses and panel discussions. The keynotes will cover the public and private sector visions for the ‘Sri Lanka: Year 2020’, while the four panel discussions will be on Returnee Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities, Entrepreneurship and Industry-wise Career Outlook.

A number of prominent and influential speakers have already confirmed their attendance and are very supportive of the initiative. The previous conference in December 2013, featured the likes of Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapakse and Mr. Ajith Nivard Cabraal, as well CEO’s from key enterprises such as Hemas, Brandix and Dialog.

Registration is now open for the conference. Further details can be obtained by emailing:  contact@workinsrilanka.lk

Photo caption: Corporate Leaders Panel at the 2013 Conference