SL urged to make 'more efficient' human capital investment

The World Bank is encouraging Sri Lanka to make 'more efficient' investment to further boost the already achieved good results in human capital development.

A feature article posted on WB - Sri Lanka website says the country has achieved good results in human capital development with relatively low investment.

This remarkable progress demonstrates the country’s potential, and provides a glimpse of what can be achieved with more efficient investment, it says.

Human capital challenges reveal inequalities along gender, geography, and income, which allow people to fall through the cracks.

Investing now can help foster productive citizens who contribute to the national economy, reducing the cost and burden on the system.

For instance, in Sri Lanka, only 32 percent of women participate in the labor force as compared to 75 percent of men.

The International Monetary Fund estimates overall income gains of about 16 percent in 2040 if this gender gap is closed in 50 years.

Looking ahead, Sri Lanka must prepare for the challenge of rebuilding lives and reshaping futures.

At this crucial juncture, a renewed focus and commitment to human capital development could support a smooth and resilient recovery, the article adds.