Occupational Exposure to GenAI in Sri Lanka

Thematic Area: Human Resource Development

Start Date: March 31, 2026

With the emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), labour markets across the world are facing transformative change. AI enables workers to perform tasks more productively, often reducing the number of workers required to perform the same task. AI also has the potential to create new jobs and, in extreme cases, replace existing ones. Within each occupation, different tasks may have varying levels of AI exposure. Understanding this potential is important for strategic planning to capitalise on the benefits of AI.

Recognising the profound impact of AI on the labour market, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has developed AI penetration scores in 2025 for various occupations and tasks based on their exposure to Generative AI (GenAI). This study aligns ILO’s codes with Sri Lanka’s Labour Force Survey to explore how GenAI may impact the labour market in Sri Lanka. Based on a literature review, the study will also make recommendations on how to capitalise on the benefits presented by AI.