The Sri Lankan unemployment rate has increased from 4.7% to 4.9% in the second quarter of 2019. The numb r of unemployed persons was estimated at 420,231 during the second quarter 2019.
The estimated economically active population was about 8.6 million in the second quarter 2019. Of which 64.7 percent are males and 35.3 percent are females. The economically inactive population is about 7.8 million. Out of the economically inactive population 26 percent are males and 74 percent are females
It is important to note that, male participation to the labor force is always higher than that of female according to the Department of Census and Statics. The highest participation rate for male is reported from age group 35—39 years (97.4%), while that for female is reported from 40—44 age group (48.9%).
During second quarter of 2019, the total number of employed persons in Sri Lanka is estimated at about 8.2 million. Of which, about 47.5 percent engaged in Service sector, 28.3 percent in Industries sector and 24.3 percent in Agriculture sector. Compared to 2nd quarter 2018 in 2nd quarter 2019 an increase in employment numbers can be observed in Agriculture and Industries sectors.
Highest employment share is in service sector and this is true for both male and female, while the lowest shares are for agriculture sector.
The highest unemployment rate is reported from the G.C.E (A/L) and above group which is about 9.5 percent. Corresponding percentages are 5.1 percent and 14 percent for males and females respectively. Female unemployment rates are higher than those of males in all levels of education.
Survey results further shows that the problem of unemployment is more acute in the case of educated females than educated males, which was observed consistently over the re-sults of previous survey rounds as well.
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