While sending students abroad impacts foreign reserves initially, this expenditure is an essential investment in Sri Lanka’s future. Sri Lankan migrant workers, for instance, contributed over $7 billion in remittances in 2022, accounting for nearly 8% of the nation’s GDP. Many graduates secure high-paying jobs abroad and remit funds back, supporting Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves.
Additionally, students returning with advanced qualifications bring skills that boost local industries, enhancing productivity and driving economic growth. Overseas education thus creates new opportunities, attracts foreign investments, and fosters long-term economic development. Global, with over 15 years of experience in educational consultancy, has established a strong reputation for transparent, high-quality guidance for students pursuing international education.
The agency is certified by Member of NAFSA – #235347 (USA), British Council Certified Agent-GAL22382 (UK), CCEA Certified Agent -CCG01551 (Canada), and ITAC Certified Agent-ITAC1735 (Global), USCG Certified Agent -USCG00460 (USA), ICEF Accredited Agent-#2544 (Germany), QEAC Certified Agent-S0414 (Australia), PIER Verified Agent-#46629 (Australia) demonstrating its commitment to maintaining standards of excellence. With offices in Canada, the UK, Singapore, the UAE, and the US, OASES Educational Serviced Pvt Ltd assures families of its international expertise and compliance with all local regulations.
One distinguishing feature is its personalized approach to crafting Statements of Purpose (SOPs) that reflect each student’s unique aspirations. This tailored SOP approach has helped students make a strong impression in competitive applications, as seen in the agency’s record of securing placements for over 5,000 students in prestigious institutions across the UK, Australia, Canada, France, German, Singapore, Malta, New Zealand, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and the United States.
Recognizing the role of language proficiency in the admission process, OASES Educational Serviced Pvt Ltd offers customized IELTS preparation and mock exams designed to mimic real test conditions. With a success rate of over 90%, these exams enable students to meet specific language requirements for various countries confidently.
The economic impact of Sri Lankan students studying abroad goes far beyond individual accomplishments, playing a crucial role in the country’s development and global competitiveness. Graduates with international education bring back not only technical expertise but also innovative thinking and a broader perspective. This knowledge transfer has a direct influence on several high-impact sectors. Sri Lankan graduates who study abroad play a critical role in the nation’s development across various sectors. Their expertise in fields like artificial intelligence, data science, and software engineering supports the rapid expansion of the tech industry, with the ICT sector already contributing over 4% to Sri Lanka’s GDP. Internationally educated graduates bring cutting-edge technology and innovation practices that drive this growth, highlighting the importance of global exposure for the country’s technical advancement. In healthcare, graduates returning from studies in medical and biomedical sciences lead to advancements in research, treatments, and public health initiatives, which improve healthcare standards and outcomes. This enhances medical facilities, management, and preventative care, contributing to longer life expectancy and better overall well-being.
Business graduates who have studied at prestigious institutions often return to establish successful enterprises, generating employment and attracting foreign direct investments (FDI).
In 2022, Sri Lanka’s FDI inflow reached around USD 1.3 billion, with a noticeable impact from entrepreneurs educated abroad who develop businesses appealing to international markets. Influential figures such as Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranaike, who studied political science in France at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po), and Mr. G.L. Peiris, who was a Rhodes Scholar at University College, Oxford, have significantly shaped the nation’s political and economic landscape by integrating international best practices into governance, policy-making, and diplomacy.
Their contributions underscore the value of overseas education in strengthening Sri Lanka’s administrative and legal frameworks.
Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, another prominent Sri Lankan professional, exemplifies the impact of international education in the corporate and technology sectors.
Dr. Wijayasuriya, who studied at the University of Cambridge for his undergraduate degree in Engineering and completed his MBA at The University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, currently serves as the Group Executive Director and CEO of Telecommunications Business at Axiata Group Berhad. This is Asia’s second-largest telecommunications company.
His leadership, informed by a blend of local knowledge and international expertise, has driven technological advancements in telecommunications both within Sri Lanka and across Asia. His achievements illustrate how graduates with global exposure can transform industries and enhance the country’s standing in international business.
The impact of international education extends to political leadership as well. For example, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who studied at The University of East London and earned her PhD at La Trobe University in Australia, has risen to prominence in Sri Lankan politics, holding the esteemed position of Prime Minister. Her international exposure has contributed to her progressive policies and leadership style, which emphasize education, economic development, and social equity.
Dr. Amarasuriya’s background reflects how globally educated leaders can influence national priorities and foster a forward-thinking approach in government.
In science and engineering, many Sri Lankan students collaborate with international research centres during their studies, bringing back not only expertise but also global networks. This facilitates research partnerships that drive scientific progress and industrial innovation, crucial for the country’s development. The Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) works closely with foreign-educated experts to advance sustainable technologies, showcasing how international collaborations can benefit local industries.
Additionally, graduates specializing in agriculture and environmental management use modern techniques learned abroad to improve productivity and sustainability. Given that agriculture accounts for 7% of Sri Lanka’s GDP and employs 27% of the workforce, these advancements are essential for food security and environmental conservation.
The global exposure that international graduates bring back not only diversifies the workforce but also enhances Sri Lanka’s ability to compete globally. Multinational companies are drawn to the country by the presence of skilled professionals, leading to a more dynamic job market. Alumni networks foster business and academic exchanges, potentially increasing exports of Sri Lankan goods and services. Collectively, these factors demonstrate that international education significantly contributes to Sri Lanka’s economic development by creating a more skilled and diverse workforce, boosting productivity, and attracting local and foreign investment.
