Lack of skilled workers the most pressing concern for German businesses in Sri Lanka

By Pranavesh Sivakumar

The lack of skilled workers is the most pressing concern for German businesses in Sri Lanka with 47 percent of them citing it as a concern, based on a survey by AHK Business Barometer.  
The other factors found in the same survey are weak demand at 26% and financial conditions at 26%.  
The survey was the subject of discussion at a Breakfast Dialogue panel discussion for German businesses in the country held at their premises.  
In other findings, in Investment Outlook, 33% of plans are in place to increase local investment and 48% are aiming to maintain current levels.  
Underemployment trends - the survey has uncovered 31% of companies intend to hire more, while 63% of them, look to retain their existing workforce.  
Participants also identified U.S trade policy, climate change and supply chain diversification under Global Challenges.  The survey also reinforced AHK Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering informed dialogue and supporting German businesses in navigating Sri Lanka’s evolving economic environment and broader South Asian market.  The event brought together a distinguished audience comprising business partners, and industry stakeholders, who engaged in a high-level exchange of economic insights and future expectations for both the local and international business environments.  
The presentation was followed by a panel discussion featuring Dr. Nathalie de Dieuleveult (Managing Director, B. Braun Lanka), and Mr. Prashant Grover (CEO, Allianz Insurance Lanka Ltd), who shared valuable perspectives on navigating economic challenges, managing workforce dynamics, and aligning business strategies with global shifts such as climate change and trade policy risks.