INVESTIGATING THE UNEMPLOYMENT OF UNDERGRADUATES IN THE EASTERN PROVINCE, SRI LANKA: FACTORS AND REMEDIES

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the status of unemployability of undergraduates in the Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. This study was a descriptive survey research and both qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized in data collection. In this study, 150 unemployed undergraduates in the Eastern Province were randomly selected as sample population. The research instrument of this study was a focus interview. Hence, the findings of the participants’ demographical information show that majority of the participants’ basic degree was Bachelor of Arts (BA). Moreover, as per the UGC graduates output report and graduates summary report of the Eastern Provincial Secretariat, many BA graduates has been mostly unemployed than other undergraduates in the Eastern Province. The unemployment issue can be overcome when the undergraduates are produced according to the demands and requirements of the employment market and bring the change in the university curriculum.