Industrial Automation and Unemployment: The Sri Lankan Perspective
Introduction
Industrial automation encompassing robotics, artificial
intelligence (AI), and digital control systems has become a transformative
force in Sri Lanka’s industrial landscape. From petroleum industry to apparel manufacturing, automation enhances precision, safety,
and efficiency. However, the growing use of automated technologies has also
raised concerns about unemployment and workforce displacement. The challenge
lies in ensuring that technological progress promotes inclusive development
rather than social inequality.
The Potential and the Risk
Automation delivers tangible benefits. In petroleum industry,
for instance, automatic tank gauging (ATG) systems, Programable Logic Controllers
(PLC), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) platforms enable
safer, faster, and more accurate operations. These technologies reduce human
error, lower exposure to hazardous environments, and improve regulatory
compliance crucial in high-risk facilities such as the Ceylon Petroleum Storage
Terminals Limited (CPSTL). Similar transformations are visible in apparel and
manufacturing, where robotic sewing, automated inspection, and
material-handling systems improve productivity and export competitiveness.
Yet, these gains come with a social cost. Routine and
semi-skilled roles such as mechanical assistants, manual operators, counter
operaters, packers face displacement. The International Labour Organization
(ILO, 2021) warns that automation could exacerbate inequality in developing
economies if upskilling and retraining are not prioritized.
Reskilling and HRM Response
According to the World Economic Forum (2020), automation may displace 85
million jobs globally but create 97 million new roles requiring digital
literacy, data analysis, and system integration skills. For Sri Lanka, this
signals a transition toward a knowledge-based workforce.
Human Resource Management (HRM) thus becomes critical in
managing this shift. Organizations must introduce continuous learning
frameworks, integrating technical training for maintenance engineers, SCADA
operators, and IT technicians. Transparent communication and job redesign can
reduce employee resistance to technological change (Ulrich & Dulebohn,
2015). Moreover, collaboration between industry, universities, and vocational
institutes can bridge the skill
gap between traditional engineering disciplines and automation technologies.
Policy and Institutional Requirements
At a national level, Sri Lanka’s industrial policy must
align automation with employment protection. Incentives for automation should
be complemented by reskilling grants and STEM education reforms. Public–private
partnerships could support displaced workers through targeted retraining and
certification schemes. These measures ensure that automation contributes not
only to productivity but also to equitable and sustainable industrial growth.
Conclusion
Automation in Sri Lanka’s industrial and petroleum sectors
represents both a challenge and an opportunity. When guided by proactive HRM
practices and inclusive policies, it can elevate productivity without
sacrificing employment equity. The future of work will depend not on resisting
machines but on empowering humans to work alongside them, ensuring technology
serves both efficiency and social progress.
References
- International Labour Organization (ILO) (2021) World Employment and Social Outlook 2021: The Role of Digital Labour Platforms in Transforming the World of Work. Geneva: ILO.
- Ulrich, D. & Dulebohn, J. H. (2015) Are We There Yet? What’s Next for HR? Human Resource Management, 54(2), 123–138.
- World Economic Forum (2020) The Future of Jobs Report 2020. Geneva: WEF.
Industrial automation and unemployment is a timely and perspective discussion today.As in a developing stage industrial automation is clearly transforming how Sri lanka's economy will grow over next decades.While automation can seems like a threat to jobs,especially in manufacturing and routine office work,it also presents an opportunity for the country to move another step.As my point of view automation is not a challenge but how workforce prepared to adopt is a challenge.Sri lanka still has talented and educated youth but many of them lack of digital and technical skills.
ReplyDeleteIf policymakers,educators and businesses work together for build skillful workers can create higher value rather than remove them.Most important thing is reskilling and innovation assist people for improve creativity and problem solving with technology .Instead of resistance automation due to unemployment ,Sri lanka should strategically develop a method for adopt this concept for global competition and for reinforce continuos progress .
Industrial automation in Sri Lanka brings both opportunities and challenges. While it can boost efficiency and growth, it’s essential to focus on reskilling workers to minimize unemployment and ensure a balanced, future-ready workforce.
ReplyDeleteYou present a strong and balanced view of how automation affects Sri Lanka, and I like how you explain both the benefits and the risks in a clear way. You also show well how HRM and national policy must respond through reskilling and collaboration. One thing you could add is a short example of a Sri Lankan company already adopting successful reskilling programs, which would make your argument even stronger. Overall, you give a meaningful and timely analysis that shows why automation must be managed with both strategy and fairness.
ReplyDeleteYour analysis offers a well-rounded perspective on how industrial automation is reshaping Sri Lanka’s workforce, especially with the contrasting realities of efficiency gains and job displacement. The link you draw between technological change, HRM responsibilities, and national policy needs is particularly insightful. Highlighting the importance of reskilling and collaboration between industry and education adds strong practical value. One area that could further enrich the discussion is a brief local case example—such as a manufacturing or petroleum-sector company already reskilling workers for automation. Overall, this is a timely, clear, and thoughtful examination of a critical national issue.
ReplyDeleteGreat points! Industrial automation is clearly reshaping Sri Lanka’s industries, bringing big gains in efficiency and safety. But balancing technological progress with workforce upskilling is essential to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
ReplyDeleteThe growing adoption of industrial automation—including robotics, AI, and automated systems—presents a serious challenge for Sri Lanka’s workforce. Middle-skilled, routine jobs in manufacturing, retail, clerical work and other repetitive-task sectors are particularly vulnerable to displacement, which could lead to rising unemployment among youth and less-skilled workers
ReplyDeleteIndustrial automation, while often linked to unemployment concerns, presents significant long-term opportunities for Sri Lanka. As industries adopt advanced technologies, productivity increases, operational costs reduce, and global competitiveness strengthens. Rather than replacing jobs, automation can shift employees into higher-skilled, safer, and more value-adding roles. This transition encourages the development of new career pathways in robotics, data analysis, system maintenance, and digital operations. For Sri Lanka, embracing automation supports economic modernization and attracts foreign investment. With proper reskilling and upskilling initiatives, the workforce can adapt effectively, ensuring that automation becomes a catalyst for national growth rather than a threat.
ReplyDeleteExcellent points! Industrial automation is clearly transforming Sri Lanka’s industries by boosting precision, efficiency, and safety. At the same time, your emphasis on the social impact is very important. Balancing technological progress with workforce inclusion and reskilling is key to ensuring that automation benefits everyone, not just productivity. Great insights on both the opportunities and challenges!
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