The role of blue-collar migrant labour in industries of Western province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

This research discusses the role of blue-collar migrant labour in industries of Western Province, Sri Lanka. In order to make an exploratory qualitative research, social and economic aspects of their role were taken into the account. For this investigation, we selected two industrial zones in western province; Katunayake and Biyagama. Labour migration can be occurred in between two countries as well as one area to another area in the same country. The data was collected by in-depth interviews with 25 participants (20 migrant workers and 05 industrialists) at five organizations. After analyzing data, it is concluded that all the workers have migrated due to the lack of job opportunities at their native provinces. In some instances they have to face some social and economic issues due to the migration.