Sneak peak in to freelancing in Sri Lanka.
The rise of the digital age has not only transformed the global job market but has also reshaped the way professionals in Sri Lanka approach employment. While traditional job opportunities continue to hold their ground, there is an undeniable shift towards freelancing, especially among the younger generation.
The Modern Sri Lankan Job Market
A few years ago, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe unveiled an ambitious program to generate one million new jobs between 2016 to 2020. This program’s design was to rejuvenate the employment landscape, particularly aiming at the youth demographic that had shown an alarming unemployment rate of 22.2% by mid-2016, significantly higher than the national average of 4.6%.
A curious aspect of the employment conundrum was the observed discrepancy between job vacancies and job seekers. Several factories in the nation’s free trade zones reported an excess of 200,000 vacancies with no local takers, raising the question: Why is there a mismatch?
One prominent theory suggests that modern Sri Lankan youth are gravitating away from traditional employment standards. Rather than settling for any job with meager wages, they’re looking for roles that match their aspirations. They seek better compensation, more flexible schedules, and opportunities that allow them to harness the global digital marketplace’s potential.
Digital Technologies Ushering New Avenues
In this context, online freelancing emerges as a beacon of hope. LIRNEasia, a think tank, highlighted in a survey that an increasing number of Sri Lankan youth are venturing into online freelance work, leveraging their skills in web designing, digital marketing, creative writing, translations, and more. They are capitalizing on platforms like Fiverr, Freelancer, and Upwork, and earning incomes that significantly impact their livelihoods. The data showed that freelancers, on average, earn about Rs.20,000–30,000 per month for just 2–3 hours of work daily.
However, a significant concern for many Sri Lankan freelancers has been the method of payment. Given the unavailability of PayPal in the country, they often resort to alternatives like Payoneer, Skrill, wire transfers, and checks.
Challenges and Opportunities in Freelancing
Though the allure of freelancing is evident, challenges remain. A report by the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka indicated that finding work is a hurdle for over 60% of the country’s freelancers. But with determination and the right strategies, such as building networks, diversifying skills, and joining various platforms but these obstacles can be overcome.
Another challenge arises in the form of payment delays, with over 80% of freelancers experiencing them. Yet, by leveraging secure payment platforms and establishing clear payment terms upfront, freelancers can ensure that their earnings are protected.
Moreover, the digital shift isn’t just about managing work. It’s also about handling one’s well-being. Balancing work and life is critical, especially when the boundaries between professional and personal space blur in a remote working environment. By setting boundaries, freelancers can maintain their mental and emotional health.
Lastly, the labyrinth of taxes and regulations is a concern. With Sri Lanka ranking 99th out of 190 countries for ease of doing business, freelancers need to navigate their way carefully, ensuring they remain compliant with local regulations.
The Way Forward
Freelancing in Sri Lanka, as in many parts of the world, is a promising avenue for many professionals. It offers the autonomy, flexibility, and global outreach that traditional jobs may not provide. As digital technologies advance and global boundaries become more porous, it’s likely that more Sri Lankans will tap into the immense opportunities that online freelancing offers. With the right tools, platforms, and mindset, the future of freelancing in Sri Lanka looks bright indeed.
