Neets: An Analysis of Sri Lankas's Disengaged Youth

Abstract

The world stands on the brink of a fourth industrial revolution, where dramatic changes in technological advancements will have profound impacts on the future employment landscape and skill requirements. This means that engaging in lifelong learning -be it at school or at work-to anticipate and prepare for future labour market demands is of paramount importance. In this context, the presence of a large population of youth not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) is a major cause for concern. Neets consist of both the unemployed-those without work but actively looking for work-and inactive youth outside the labour force, both groups of who also do not engage in any educational or training activity.