Sri Lankan Out-Migration: Five Key Waves Since Independence

Abstract

Lankan migration provides a mini-laboratory for migration scholars because of its rich diversity. The Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora, the Sri Lankan maid, the Sri Lankan refugee, and the Sri Lankan boat migration to Australia are some examples of the diversity and complexity of the phenomenon. At present, Lanka has a total of three million emigrants of which one million have permanently settled outside Lanka. This permanently settled community constitutes a one to twenty diaspora to population ratio, a significantly unique ratio for any sending country. Nonetheless, a holistic understanding of Lankan migration is lacking, even though selective aspects of the phenomenon have received some academic attention. This article intends to fill this gap by providing a broader overview of Lankan migration since its Independence. Through a thorough review of related academic articles and fifty-one semi-structured interviews with Lankan emigrants, this article summarizes the key elements of Lankan migration in five main waves from Independence until today. By revealing the diversity of the Lankan immigrant community and its complexity, the article suggests the importance of understanding any immigrant community holistically not only for a better scholarly understanding but also effective policy making.