Engaging expatriate Sri Lankan professionals in national development
It is well known that a large segment of expatriate Sri Lankan professionals are presently scattered throughout the developed countries. Although there are many reasons contributing to this situation, in our opinion, an adequate attempt has not been made to study this issue in depth. Therefore, inevitably, none of the successive governments could come up with an appropriate and sustainable programme of action to address this issue.
The purpose of our analysis is to neither justify nor criticize, only to comprehend the issues rationally.
By understanding the phenomenon, we expect to discuss the optimum strategies to gain support and valuable services from Sri Lankan expatriates. This contribution, although based on national needs, should also take in to account the views of the expatriate community and what they are prepared to offer according to their ability.
Redefining who an ‘Expatriate’ is.
Oxford Dictionary Definition
“Living abroad for long periods”
“Expelled from own country”
“Expelled or removed from his/her native country”
“WITHDRAWN FROM CITIZENSHIP OR ALLEGIANCE”
Our Opinion and Interpretation
True expatriate: Living abroad for long periods, either expelled or removed (or forced to be away by the circumstances) and subsequently, WITHDRAWN FROM CITIZENSHIP AS WELL AS FROM THEIR ALLEGIANCE TO NATIVE LAND.
Not an expatriate: Living abroad for long periods, either expelled or removed or forced to be away by the circumstances but NEVER WITHDRAWN CITIZENSHIP OR THEIR ALLEGIANCE TO THE NATIVE LAND
Hidden expatriate: Living in native country, not physically expelled or removed, but completely dissociated and WITHDRAWN CITIZENSHIP AS WELL AS THEIR ALLEGIANCE TO THEIR NATIVE LAND
