Amidst the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the large-scale emigration for foreign employment has been subject to criticism for its impact on brain drain. However, migration and remittances have been, for the longest time, closely linked to human capital advancement in the children of migrant workers, residing in the country of origin.
Within such a context, this study seeks to examine the present status of human capital development among children in households with migrants, utilising the most recent nationally representative data in Sri Lanka, the 2019 HIES data set. Simultaneously, these insights will be placed within the broader context of escalating apprehensions regarding brain drain from Sri Lanka, stemming from the departure of skilled and educated adults. This holistic approach aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of out-migration and its impact on Sri Lanka’s stock of human capital.
