A new report by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) finds that 1.83 million Sri Lankan workers, or 22.8% of the employed labour force, are likely to be affected by Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) through task automation or augmentation. Of these, around 187,000 workers fall into the highest exposure category, with administrative support roles most at risk.
Administrative Roles Most Vulnerable
The report identifies 179,290 individuals employed in administrative support positions such as data entry, scheduling, drafting, and routine communication. These tasks align closely with GenAI capabilities but still require human oversight for context-specific decisions. The findings challenge assumptions that high-skill roles are protected from automation.
Expanding Impact on ICT and BPM Sectors
GenAI’s influence is growing within Sri Lanka’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Business Process Management (BPM) export sectors. Software engineering is increasingly affected as AI tools generate code, debug programmes, and draft documentation. While this boosts productivity for senior developers, it also threatens entry-level positions. Similarly, data analysis and digital content roles in BPM are becoming more exposed as GenAI assists with analytics, text generation, and multimedia structuring.
Barriers to Adoption
Despite exposure risks, actual adoption remains low. Only 26.3% of affected workers are digitally literate and have adequate digital access at work, leaving nearly three-quarters unable to use GenAI tools effectively.
Global Context and Policy Recommendations According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), about 24–25% of global jobs face some GenAI exposure, with around 3.3% at high risk, figures that closely mirror Sri Lanka’s. Both reports stress that complete automation is rare, with transfo rmation through human and AI collaboration more likely.
The IPS recommends targeted digital literacy and vocational training focused on GenAI work flows, along with investments in infrastructure. With strategic planning, Sri Lanka could use GenAI to enhance productivity while safe guarding employment.