Factors Affecting the Migration Intention of IT Undergraduates in Sri Lanka during the Crisis Recovery Period

Abstract

Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic and political crises have significantly intensified migration intentions among its educated youth, particularly among final-year undergraduates in the Information Technology (IT) sector. This study investigates the primary factors influencing migration intention during the crisis recovery period by applying Lee’s Push-Pull Migration Framework. A structured quantitative survey was administered to a sample of 350 IT undergraduates from both state and non-state universities. The data collected were analysed using statistical methods including correlation, regression, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) through SPSS. The findings indicate that economic and political push factors, such as low wages, unemployment, and perceptions of corruption, are strongly associated with students’ intentions to migrate. In contrast, pull factors related to better income prospects, enhanced quality of life, and political stability in destination countries significantly contribute to the attractiveness of migration. Social push factors were found to exert a comparatively limited influence. The regression model accounted for 79.6 percent of the variance in migration intention, indicating a strong explanatory capacity. These results highlight the need for comprehensive policy reforms in areas such as education, employment, and governance in order to address the root causes of migration and reduce the outflow of skilled human capital. The study offers evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and higher education stakeholders seeking to improve talent retention and support sustainable development in Sri Lanka’s IT sector.