DETERMINANTS INFLUENCING MIGRATION DECISION AMONG SCHOOL LEAVERS IN SRI LANKA (WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO COLOMBO DISTRICT IN SRI LANKA)

Abstract

The increasing trend of migration among young individuals in Sri Lanka needs a comprehensive understanding of the factors driving this phenomenon. This research investigates the factors that impact migration decision among school leavers in Sri Lanka, including demographic characteristics, economic, social, technological push and pull factors, as well as personal opinions. Data was collected from 146 school leavers through a questionnaire distributed in Colombo and Sri Jayawardenapura educational zones using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. Factor analysis and binary logistic regression were employed to identify the factors. The findings revealed three key factors influencing migration intention. The findings suggest that school leavers with an intention to return have a notably higher likelihood (91.87%) of also intending to migrate compared to those without a return intention. Additionally, for each unit increase in social pull factors, the odds of having a migration intention rise by approximately 6.355 times (or 86.40%), when other variables are controlled. Similarly, an increase in economic pull factors raises migration intention odds by about 6.233 times (or 86.17%), indicating that both social and economic motivators significantly impact school leavers' migration aspirations. Based on these results, recommendations are that efforts should be made to create a supportive environment that encourages school leavers to consider returning to Sri Lanka. Addressing social aspects that attract migration, stimulating economic development, investing in education and skills development, providing accurate information, and implementing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are crucial steps to effectively manage migration intentions among school leavers.