Skills
What skills drive careers?
Skills mapped to real Sri Lankan careers — with the career paths each one opens up and where to learn it.
Skills in demand on paths.lk
Sought-after skills
Click a skill to see the specific careers it opens up and where to learn it.
soft
Communication Skills
beginnerInterpersonal
Effective verbal and written communication
Leadership
advancedManagement
Leading teams and managing people
Attention to Detail
beginnerNegotiation
intermediateInterpersonal
Reaching mutually acceptable agreements with clients, partners, suppliers, or colleagues through structured bargaining and persuasion.
Creativity
beginnerProblem Solving
intermediateAnalytical
Analytical thinking and finding solutions
Critical Thinking
intermediatePatient Communication & Counseling
intermediateInterpersonal
Explaining diagnoses, treatment options, and health guidance to patients and families in a clear, empathetic, and reassuring manner.
Stakeholder Management
intermediateManagement
Identifying, engaging, and balancing the interests of the different parties affected by or influencing a project or organization.
Analytical Thinking
intermediateTeamwork
beginnerInterpersonal
Working effectively in teams
Time Management
beginnerProductivity
Managing time effectively for productivity
Adaptability
beginnertechnical
Data Analysis
intermediateAnalytics
Analyzing data for insights and decision making
Industrial Automation & Control Systems
advancedAutomation & Controls
Designing and integrating PLCs, sensors, actuators, and robotic systems to automate industrial machinery and manufacturing processes.
AutoCAD
intermediateCAD & Drafting
Industry-standard 2D/3D computer-aided design software used to produce technical drawings for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering projects.
Microsoft Excel
beginnerOffice Software
Advanced Excel for data analysis and reporting
Video Production & Editing
intermediateMedia Production
Planning, shooting, and editing raw footage into polished video content for film, television, and digital platforms.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Spatial Analysis
advancedGeospatial
Capturing, managing, and analyzing spatial data using GIS software to produce maps and support planning and resource-management decisions.
Graphic Design
intermediateDesign
Visual design for marketing, branding, digital media
PCB Design & Embedded Hardware
advancedElectrical
Designing, laying out, and debugging printed circuit boards and embedded electronic hardware for devices and control systems.
Electrical Installation & Wiring
intermediateElectrical
Hands-on installation, testing, and maintenance of electrical wiring, panels, and equipment in buildings and industrial sites in line with wiring regulations.
Electrical Circuit Design
advancedElectrical
Designing and analysing analogue and digital electrical circuits for power, control, or signal applications.
Technical Drafting & Blueprint Reading
intermediateCAD & Drafting
The ability to produce and interpret detailed engineering drawings, blueprints, and schematics that specify how something is built or manufactured.
Garment Construction & Production
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing
Hands-on skill in cutting, sewing, assembling and finishing garments on a production line to meet quality and output targets.
Sound Design & Audio Engineering
advancedAudio Production
Recording, mixing, and mastering audio and designing soundscapes for film, broadcast, and live performance.
Automotive Repair & Maintenance
intermediateAutomotive
Diagnoses and repairs mechanical faults in vehicle engines, transmissions, brakes, and suspension systems.
SolidWorks / 3D CAD Modeling
advancedCAD & Drafting
Parametric 3D modelling and simulation software used to design, analyse, and prototype mechanical parts and assemblies.
Python Programming
intermediateProgramming
Python programming language for web, data science, automation
Product & Industrial Design
advancedDesign
Designing the form, function, and manufacturability of physical consumer products, objects, and packaging.
Land Surveying & Geomatics
advancedSurveying
Measuring and mapping land, structures, and terrain using surveying instruments, GPS, and GIS to support construction and engineering projects.
Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology
intermediatePersonal Care Services
Provides skincare, facial, waxing, makeup, and spa treatments to clients using cosmetology techniques.
Pattern Making, Grading & Technical Design
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing
Converting fashion sketches into production-ready patterns and grading them across size ranges for garment manufacturing.
Precision Agriculture & AgTech
advancedAgricultural Engineering
Uses GPS, GIS, drones, sensors, and data analytics to optimize field inputs like water, fertilizer, and pesticides for maximum yield.
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Repair
intermediateBuilding Services
Installs, services, and repairs residential, commercial, and automotive air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Automotive Electrical & Diagnostic Systems
advancedAutomotive
Troubleshoots vehicle electrical circuits, sensors, and onboard computer systems using scan tools and diagnostic equipment.
Illustration & Digital Painting
intermediateVisual Arts
Creating original drawn or digitally painted artwork for publishing, advertising, games, and concept development.
Greenhouse & Controlled-Environment Agriculture
intermediateAgricultural Engineering
Manages climate-controlled growing systems such as greenhouses, hydroponics, and vertical farms for year-round crop production.
SQL Database
beginnerDatabase
SQL database querying and management
Welding & Fabrication
intermediateConstruction Trades
Joining and shaping metal components using welding, cutting, and fabrication techniques to manufacture or repair structures and equipment.
Diagnostic Imaging & Lab Techniques
advancedDiagnostics
Operating imaging and laboratory equipment — X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and sample analysis — to produce results doctors use for diagnosis.
Culinary Arts & Kitchen Operations
intermediateCulinary
Preparing and plating dishes, planning menus, and running kitchen stations, food costing, and hygiene standards professionally.
Marine Vessel & Engine Maintenance
intermediateMarine & Offshore
Diagnosing, servicing, and repairing marine and outboard engines and vessel machinery for boats and ships.
Power BI
intermediateHVAC Systems Design
advancedBuilding Services
Designing and sizing heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems for thermal comfort and indoor air quality in buildings and industrial facilities.
Irrigation & Water Management
intermediateAgricultural Engineering
Designs and operates water delivery, drainage, and conservation systems to meet crop water needs efficiently.
Remote Sensing & Satellite Imagery Analysis
advancedGeospatial
Interpreting aerial photography and satellite imagery to monitor land cover, terrain, and environmental change.
Instructional Design & E-Learning Development
intermediateEdTech
Design structured e-learning modules, training courses, and blended learning experiences using instructional design principles and learning technologies.
Gemology & Gemstone Grading
advancedGems & Jewellery
Evaluates and grades gemstones for colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight to determine quality and market value.
Medical Equipment Maintenance
intermediateBiomedical Engineering
Installing, calibrating, and repairing diagnostic and life-support equipment such as ventilators, monitors, and imaging machines.
Animation & Motion Graphics
advancedAnimation & VFX
Creating 2D and 3D animated sequences and motion graphics for film, games, advertising, and digital media.
Jewellery Making & Metalsmithing
intermediateGems & Jewellery
Designs and fabricates jewellery pieces by shaping, soldering, and setting precious metals and stones.
UI/UX Design
intermediateDesign
User interface and experience design
3D Modeling & Character Art
advancedAnimation & VFX
Sculpting and building detailed three-dimensional character and environment assets for games, film, and 3D printing.
Ship Navigation & Seamanship
advancedMarine & Offshore
Safely navigating and operating fishing and marine vessels using charts, GPS, radar, and seamanship principles at sea.
Carpentry & Joinery
intermediateConstruction Trades
Cutting, shaping, and assembling wood and wood-based materials to construct furniture, fittings, and building structures.
CNC Machining & Precision Manufacturing
intermediateMaterials & Manufacturing
Operates and programs CNC machines, lathes, and precision tooling to manufacture parts to tight tolerances.
Hairdressing & Barbering
intermediatePersonal Care Services
Cuts, styles, colours, and grooms hair for clients using professional hairdressing and barbering techniques.
Agricultural Machinery Operation & Maintenance
intermediateAgricultural Engineering
Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots tractors, harvesters, and other farm machinery used in commercial production.
Plumbing & Pipefitting
intermediateConstruction Trades
Installing and maintaining water supply, drainage, and sanitary piping systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Seafood Processing & Cold Chain Quality Control
intermediateMarine & Offshore
Processing, preserving, and quality-assuring seafood products through cold chain management and export compliance standards like HACCP.
Machine Learning
advancedTCP/IP Networking
intermediateCinematography & Camera Operation
advancedMedia Production
Operating cameras and composing lighting and shot framing to achieve a production’s intended visual look.
Coconut & Spice Processing Technology
intermediateAgricultural Processing
Applies post-harvest processing techniques for coconut (desiccated coconut, virgin coconut oil, coconut milk) and spices (cinnamon peeling and rolling, pepper, cloves, cardamom) to meet export-grade specifications.
Sculpture & Ceramic Art
intermediateVisual Arts
Shaping three-dimensional artworks and functional ceramic pieces from clay, stone, metal, or wood.
Network Security
intermediateBaking & Pastry Arts
intermediateCulinary
Producing breads, cakes, pastries, and desserts using professional baking techniques, recipe formulation, and food safety practice.
Marketing Analytics & Attribution
advancedAnalytics
Measuring, modeling, and interpreting marketing campaign performance and channel attribution to guide budget and strategy decisions.
Fishing Vessel Gear & Equipment Technology
intermediateMarine & Offshore
Selecting, maintaining, and repairing fishing nets, traps, and vessel gear used in commercial fishing operations.
Rubber & Latex Processing Technology
advancedAgricultural Processing
Manages latex collection, coagulation, sheeting (RSS) and centrifuging operations, and tests raw and processed rubber (DRC, VFA, MST) against ISO and buyer quality standards.
Masonry & Construction Trades
beginnerConstruction Trades
Laying brick, block, and tile, and reinforcing concrete structures using core masonry and general construction site techniques.
GDS & Travel Reservation Systems
intermediateTravel Technology
Booking flights, hotels, and tour packages using global distribution and reservation systems such as Amadeus, Galileo, or Sabre.
Architectural Design & Space Planning
advancedArchitecture & Planning
Conceptualizing and designing buildings and spatial layouts that balance functionality, aesthetics, and regulatory requirements.
Landscape Architecture & Design
advancedArchitecture & Planning
Planning and designing outdoor environments, green spaces, and site layouts that balance ecology, function, and aesthetics.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
advancedCAD & Drafting
Creating and managing intelligent 3D digital models of buildings that integrate design, engineering, and construction data across a project lifecycle.
Visual Effects (VFX) & Compositing
advancedAnimation & VFX
Integrating digital effects, CGI elements, and composited imagery with live-action or animated footage.
Costume & Set Design
intermediateProduction Design
Designing costumes, props, and physical stage or set environments that support a production’s visual storytelling.
Interior & Spatial Design
intermediateDesign
Planning and furnishing interior spaces, layouts, and exhibition environments for residential and commercial use.
Cisco Networking
intermediateSEO & SEM
intermediateDigital Marketing
Optimizing website content and structure for organic search ranking while running paid search campaigns to drive traffic and conversions.
Visual Merchandising & Retail Display
intermediateDesign
Designing in-store and window displays and product placement to attract customers and reinforce brand image.
Printing & Prepress Technology
Printing & Publishing
Operates prepress, offset, and digital printing equipment and workflows to produce print-ready publications and packaging.
Medical Records & EHR Systems
intermediateHealth Informatics
Maintaining accurate patient records and using electronic health record systems to document, retrieve, and share clinical information.
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) & Underwater Survey Operations
advancedMarine & Offshore
Piloting remotely operated vehicles and conducting sonar and visual underwater surveys and inspections in marine environments.
Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing Technology
Materials & Manufacturing
Operating SLS, DMLS and FDM 3D printing systems and selecting materials to produce prototypes and end-use manufactured parts.
R Programming
intermediateJavaScript
intermediateProgramming
JavaScript for web development, frontend and backend
C++
advancedUser Research
intermediateHeritage Conservation & Restoration
advancedHeritage & Culture
Applying chemical and artistic conservation techniques to repair and preserve aging artworks, artifacts, and heritage structures.
React.js
intermediateFrontend
React library for building user interfaces
Photography
intermediateMedia Production
Capturing and technically controlling still images using camera equipment, lighting, and composition for editorial, commercial, or artistic purposes.
Linux Administration
intermediateTea Tasting & Sensory Grading
advancedAgricultural Processing
Evaluates tea liquor appearance, aroma, flavour, and body through trained sensory tasting to classify and value teas for auction or direct export.
Lapidary & Gemstone Cutting
advancedGems & Jewellery
Shapes, facets, and polishes rough gemstones into finished stones using lapidary tools and techniques.
Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Systems
advancedAutomotive
Services and repairs high-voltage battery packs, electric powertrains, and charging systems in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Smart Textiles & Wearable Technology
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing
Integrating sensors, conductive fibres and electronics into fabrics to develop wearable and functional smart-textile products.
E-Government Systems & Digital Service Delivery
advancedPublic Sector
Managing government IT infrastructure, e-government platforms, and digital public-service delivery systems.
Stenography & Shorthand Transcription
intermediateAdministration
Recording spoken proceedings in shorthand and producing accurate verbatim transcripts for official and legal use.
Military Aviation & Flight Operations
advancedDefence
Piloting and operating military aircraft, including flight planning, navigation, and airmanship under service protocols.
Ceramics & Glass Manufacturing Technology
Materials & Manufacturing
Batch formulation, moulding, firing and glazing processes used in the industrial production of ceramic and glass goods.
Tableau
intermediateIT Help Desk & Technical Support
BPO & Outsourcing
Diagnoses and resolves hardware, software, network, and cloud application issues for remote end users via phone, chat, or ticketing systems.
Aircraft Piloting & Flight Operations
Aviation
Operates fixed-wing aircraft safely through all phases of flight in accordance with civil aviation regulations.
Air Traffic Control & Airspace Management
Aviation
Directs and separates aircraft movements within controlled airspace and at airports to ensure safe, orderly, and expeditious traffic flow.
Aircraft Maintenance & Avionics
Aviation
Inspects, maintains, and certifies aircraft airframes, engines, and avionics systems to airworthiness standards.
Tea Processing & Manufacturing
advancedAgricultural Processing
Operates and manages the withering, rolling, fermentation, drying, and grading stages of orthodox or CTC tea factory production to meet auction and export quality standards.
Terraform
advancedAWS
intermediateVoIP Systems
intermediateData Warehousing
intermediatePenetration Testing
advancedFirewalls & IDS/IPS
intermediateLaravel
beginnerSpring Boot
intermediateDjango
intermediateNext.js
intermediateAngular
intermediateVue.js
intermediateNode.js
intermediateShell Scripting
intermediateScala
advancedDart / Flutter
intermediateKotlin
intermediateSwift
intermediatePHP
beginnerGo (Golang)
intermediateC#
intermediateTypeScript
intermediateJava
intermediateMySQL
beginnerPostgreSQL
intermediateGraphQL
intermediateREST API Design
intermediateWireframing & Prototyping
beginnerAdobe XD
beginnerFigma
beginnerMicrosoft Dynamics
intermediateOracle ERP
advancedSAP
advancedISO 27001
advancedTensorFlow / PyTorch
advancedDeep Learning
advancedGit / Version Control
beginnerCI/CD Pipelines
intermediateKubernetes
advancedDocker
intermediateMicrosoft Azure
intermediateGoogle Cloud (GCP)
intermediateElasticsearch
intermediateOracle Database
advancedRedis
intermediateMongoDB
intermediateHTML & CSS
beginnerSIEM Tools
intermediateETL Development
intermediateApache Spark
advanceddomain
Customer Service
beginnerService
Providing excellent customer support
Project Management
advancedManagement
Planning and executing projects effectively
Quality Control & Inspection
intermediateSafety & Quality
Testing, inspecting, and auditing materials, components, and finished products against technical specifications and quality standards.
Food Safety & Quality Standards
intermediateFood Science
Ensures agricultural and food products meet hygiene, safety, and certification requirements such as HACCP, GAP, and export standards.
Lesson Planning & Instructional Delivery
intermediateEducation
Plan and deliver structured, engaging lessons that translate curriculum content into effective classroom teaching.
Financial Analysis
advancedFinance
Analyzing financial statements and performance
Operations Management
intermediateManagement
Overseeing the day-to-day processes, resources, and workflows that keep an organization's core operations running efficiently.
Occupational Health & Safety (HSE)
intermediateSafety & Quality
Identifying workplace hazards and implementing safety programmes and regulatory compliance to protect workers and the environment on industrial and construction sites.
Digital Marketing
intermediateMarketing
Online marketing, SEO, social media marketing
HR Management & Recruitment
intermediateHuman Resources
Managing the employee lifecycle from recruitment and onboarding through compensation, performance, and employee relations.
Patient Care
beginnerClinical Care
Delivering direct hands-on care — monitoring wellbeing, assisting with daily activities, and ensuring comfort and safety of patients, clients, or those in one's care.
Financial Risk Management
advancedRisk & Compliance
Identifying, measuring, and mitigating the market, credit, operational, and liquidity risks that threaten an institution's financial stability.
Strategic Planning
advancedManagement
Setting an organization's long-term direction by analyzing markets, competitors, and internal capabilities to define goals and the roadmap to reach them.
Agronomy & Crop Science
intermediateAgriculture
Applies plant science, crop physiology, and field management techniques to optimize crop yield, quality, and sustainability.
Cultural Heritage Research & Curatorial Practice
advancedHeritage & Culture
Researching, documenting, and curating art, museum collections, and intangible cultural heritage for exhibition and preservation.
Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis
advancedClinical Care
Examining patients, interpreting symptoms and test results, and forming an accurate diagnosis to guide treatment decisions.
Content Writing & Copywriting
beginnerWriting & Journalism
Writing persuasive and informative text for advertising, marketing campaigns, websites, and digital platforms.
Soil Science
advancedAgriculture
Studies the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil to guide land use, fertility management, and conservation decisions.
Environmental Engineering & Pollution Control
advancedEnvironmental
Designing systems for water treatment, air pollution control, and waste management to protect public health and the environment.
Aquaculture & Fisheries Science
intermediateAgriculture
Manages the breeding, rearing, and health of fish, shrimp, and other aquatic species in hatcheries and commercial farms.
Business Development & Partnerships
intermediateBusiness Development
Identifying new markets, clients, and strategic partnerships to grow an organization's revenue and market reach.
Manufacturing Process Engineering
advancedMaterials & Manufacturing
Designing and optimising production lines and manufacturing processes to improve throughput, reduce waste, and maintain product quality.
Sustainable & Regenerative Farming
intermediateAgriculture
Applies soil-health-focused, low-input farming practices that restore ecosystems while maintaining long-term agricultural productivity.
Agricultural Supply Chain & Export Logistics
intermediateAgriculture
Coordinates the sourcing, storage, transport, and export documentation needed to move agricultural products from farm to market.
Budgeting & Forecasting
intermediateFinance
Planning and projecting an organisation's income and expenditure to guide resource allocation and track financial performance against targets.
Classroom Management & Student Discipline
intermediateEducation
Maintain an orderly, focused learning environment through effective behaviour management and student engagement techniques.
Quantitative Finance Analysis
advancedFinance
Applying statistical models, stochastic calculus, and programming to price financial instruments and manage market risk.
Livestock & Animal Husbandry
intermediateAgriculture
Manages the breeding, rearing, and daily care of farm animals to maintain health, welfare, and production efficiency.
Building Codes & Construction Standards
intermediateCivil & Structural
Applying national building codes, planning regulations, and construction standards to ensure a project is compliant and safe to occupy.
Dance Performance & Choreography
intermediatePerforming Arts
Performing and creating choreographed dance sequences for stage, screen, and cultural events.
Administrative & Office Management
beginnerAdministration
Coordinating the administrative systems, records, scheduling, and support services that keep an office running smoothly.
Post-Harvest Handling & Preservation
intermediateAgriculture
Applies grading, packing, storage, and preservation techniques to reduce spoilage and maintain produce quality after harvest.
Integrated Pest & Disease Management
intermediateAgriculture
Diagnoses crop pests, weeds, and diseases and combines biological, cultural, and chemical controls to minimize losses sustainably.
Public Administration & Development Management
intermediatePublic Sector
Planning and delivering public services, policy programmes, and development initiatives within government or NGO institutions.
First Aid & CPR
beginnerClinical Care
Responding to medical emergencies with basic life-support techniques, wound care, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation until further help arrives.
Construction Cost Estimation & Quantity Surveying
intermediateCivil & Structural
Measuring quantities, preparing bills of quantities, and estimating and controlling costs across the lifecycle of a construction project.
Business Analysis & Market Research
intermediateBusiness Analysis
Gathering and interpreting market, customer, and operational data to inform business decisions and strategy.
Fashion & Textile Design
intermediateFashion
Designing clothing, accessories, and fabric patterns, from concept sketches through to production-ready garments.
Materials Science & Metallurgy
advancedMaterials & Manufacturing
Studying the composition, properties, and behaviour of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to select or engineer materials for a given application.
Banking Operations
beginnerBanking
Running day-to-day retail and corporate banking functions, including deposits, loan processing, account servicing, and branch compliance.
Food & Beverage Service Operations
intermediateHospitality
Delivering table, bar, and banquet service while managing outlet operations, stock, and guest dining experience quality.
Sales Management
intermediateSales
Leading a sales function through pipeline management, forecasting, account strategy, and team performance to hit revenue targets.
Music Performance
intermediateMusic
Performing vocal or instrumental music live or in recordings across classical, traditional, and contemporary styles.
Corporate Governance & Compliance
advancedGovernance
Ensuring an organization's leadership, policies, and reporting meet legal, ethical, and regulatory standards of accountability.
Language Teaching Methodology & TESOL
intermediateEducation
Apply structured language-teaching methods to build listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in English or other foreign languages.
Agricultural Economics & Policy
advancedAgriculture
Analyzes market trends, pricing, and government policy to guide resource allocation and decision-making in the agricultural sector.
Structural Design & Analysis
advancedCivil & Structural
Analysing and designing the structural elements of buildings, bridges, and infrastructure to safely withstand loads, wind, and seismic forces.
Accounting Principles
intermediateAccounting
Understanding double-entry bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, and Sri Lanka Accounting Standards (SLFRS/LKAS) used to record and report an organisation's finances accurately.
Agricultural Extension & Advisory Services
intermediateAgriculture
Communicates research-based farming knowledge and best practices directly to farmers to improve productivity and adoption of new techniques.
Veterinary & Animal Health Management
advancedAgriculture
Monitors animal health, diagnoses disease, and implements biosecurity protocols to prevent and control outbreaks on farms.
Plantation Crop Management
intermediateAgriculture
Oversees the cultivation, harvesting, and estate-level operations of commercial plantation crops such as tea, rubber, and coconut.
Change Management
advancedManagement
Planning and guiding an organization through structural, process, or cultural transitions while minimizing disruption and resistance.
Curriculum Design & Development
advancedEducation
Design, structure, and evaluate curricula, syllabi, and learning materials aligned with national or institutional educational standards.
Event & MICE Planning
advancedEvents
Organizing and coordinating conferences, exhibitions, weddings, and corporate events end to end, from venue logistics to on-site execution.
Textile Engineering & Fabric Technology
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing
Understanding of yarn, knitting, weaving, dyeing and fabric-finishing processes used to engineer and test textile materials for manufacturing.
Urban & Regional Planning
advancedUrban Planning
Developing land-use policies, zoning frameworks, and spatial plans that guide the sustainable growth of cities and regions.
Investment Analysis
advancedInvestment
Evaluating stocks, bonds, funds, and other assets using financial data and market research to judge their potential return and risk.
Regulatory Compliance (Finance)
intermediateRisk & Compliance
Ensuring a bank, insurer, or financial firm's operations follow Central Bank of Sri Lanka rules and other financial-sector regulations.
Production Planning & Scheduling
Materials & Manufacturing
Forecasting demand and scheduling manufacturing resources, labour and materials to meet production targets on time.
Hospitality Management
advancedHospitality
Planning and overseeing the day-to-day operations, guest-service standards, staffing, and profitability of hotels, resorts, and other guest-service properties.
Public Relations & Corporate Communications
intermediateCommunications
Shaping and protecting an organization's public image through media relations, messaging strategy, and crisis communication.
Auditing
advancedAccounting
Systematically examining financial records, internal controls, and processes to verify accuracy and compliance with accounting and regulatory standards.
Journalism & News Reporting
intermediateWriting & Journalism
Researching, verifying, and reporting news and current events for print, broadcast, or digital media.
Travel & Tour Package Planning
intermediateTourism
Designing, costing, and booking travel itineraries, accommodation, and transport packages for individual and group travellers.
Plant Breeding & Genetics
advancedAgriculture
Uses genetic selection, crossbreeding, and biotechnology to develop crop varieties with improved yield, resistance, or quality traits.
Pharmacology & Medication Management
advancedClinical Care
Understanding drug actions, dosages, interactions, and side effects to safely prescribe, dispense, or administer medication.
Medical Terminology
beginnerClinical Care
Reading, writing, and communicating accurately using standard clinical vocabulary for diagnoses, procedures, anatomy, and medications.
Social Media Marketing & Management
intermediateMarketing
Planning, creating, and managing content and community engagement across social media platforms to grow brand awareness and audience.
Supply Chain Planning & Logistics Coordination
advancedLogistics & Supply Chain
Planning and coordinating the end-to-end movement of goods across sourcing, production, and distribution to optimize cost, speed, and reliability.
Rehabilitation Therapy Techniques
advancedAllied Health
Designing and delivering exercise, manual therapy, and functional-recovery programmes to restore movement and independence after injury or illness.
Management Consulting
advancedConsulting
Diagnosing organizational problems and advising clients on strategy, operations, or growth using structured analysis frameworks.
Tour Guiding & Destination Knowledge
intermediateTourism
Leading visitors through sites and itineraries with in-depth knowledge of local history, culture, and attractions while ensuring their safety and engagement.
Actuarial Science
advancedInsurance
Using probability theory, statistics, and financial mathematics to quantify long-term risk and uncertainty for insurance, pension, and investment products.
Academic Research & Postgraduate Supervision
advancedEducation
Conduct original research, publish scholarly work, and supervise postgraduate students within a university or research institution.
Insurance Underwriting
intermediateInsurance
Evaluating insurance applications to assess risk exposure and decide policy terms, coverage limits, and premiums.
Content Strategy & Editorial Planning
intermediateMarketing
Planning and aligning content themes, formats, and publishing calendars across platforms to serve audience needs and business goals.
Acting & Theatrical Performance
intermediatePerforming Arts
Portraying characters through voice, movement, and emotional expression on stage, screen, or in recordings.
Student Assessment & Evaluation
intermediateEducation
Design and administer tests, assignments, and continuous assessments to measure and report on student learning progress.
Building Services (MEP) Engineering
advancedBuilding Services
Designing and coordinating the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems that make a building functional, safe, and efficient.
Power Systems Engineering
advancedEnergy
Designing and managing electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution systems, including grid stability and protection.
Procurement & Vendor Management
intermediateLogistics & Supply Chain
Sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing vendor relationships and performance to secure reliable, cost-effective supply.
Marine & Naval Engineering
advancedMarine & Offshore
Designing, operating, or surveying ships, offshore structures, and marine propulsion systems for seaworthiness and regulatory compliance.
Music Composition & Arrangement
advancedMusic
Writing and arranging original musical scores and soundtracks for film, television, advertising, and recordings.
Animal Nutrition & Feed Formulation
intermediateAgriculture
Formulates balanced diets and feed rations tailored to the growth, health, and productivity needs of livestock or aquaculture species.
School Administration & Leadership
advancedEducation
Lead and manage the day-to-day academic and operational functions of a school or education zone, including staff, discipline, and compliance.
Renewable Energy Systems Design
advancedEnergy
Designing and sizing solar, wind, and hydro power systems to deliver sustainable electricity generation for homes, industry, and the grid.
Financial Modeling
advancedFinance
Building spreadsheet-based models that forecast a company's revenue, costs, and valuation to support investment and strategic decisions.
Market Research & Consumer Insights
advancedMarketing
Gathering and analyzing consumer behavior, preferences, and market data to inform marketing and product decisions.
Infection Control & Sterilization
intermediateClinical Care
Applying hygiene, sterilization, and containment protocols to prevent the spread of infection in clinical and care settings.
Chemical Process Engineering
advancedMaterials & Manufacturing
Designing and operating industrial chemical processes and plant equipment to convert raw materials into products safely and efficiently.
Apparel Merchandising & Sourcing
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing
Managing buyer relationships, costing, sourcing and order fulfilment to move garment and textile products from factory to export market.
People Analytics & Workforce Planning
intermediateHuman Resources
Using workforce data, statistical analysis and predictive modeling to inform HR decisions such as turnover prediction, retention, diversity monitoring and staffing forecasts.
Entrepreneurship & Startup Management
advancedEntrepreneurship
Turning a business idea into a viable venture by validating the market, securing resources, and managing early-stage growth.
Speech & Language Therapy Techniques
advancedAllied Health
Assessing and treating disorders of speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing to help clients communicate and eat safely.
Regulatory & Quality Compliance (Healthcare)
advancedHealthcare Administration
Ensuring drugs, medical devices, and clinical trials meet safety, efficacy, and regulatory standards through audits and documentation.
Credit Analysis
intermediateBanking
Assessing a borrower's financial statements, cash flow, and repayment capacity to judge creditworthiness and lending risk.
Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma
Materials & Manufacturing
Applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce variation and continuously improve production processes.
Marine Conservation & Protected Area Management
advancedMarine & Offshore
Managing marine protected areas and developing conservation strategies to protect coastal and ocean biodiversity.
Fine Arts & Painting
intermediateVisual Arts
Producing original paintings, drawings, and prints using traditional artistic media and techniques for exhibition or sale.
Agroforestry & Forest Management
intermediateAgriculture
Integrates trees into farming systems and manages forest resources for sustainable timber, biodiversity, and land conservation outcomes.
Petroleum & Reservoir Engineering
advancedResource Engineering
Planning the drilling, extraction, and reservoir management of oil and gas resources for safe and cost-effective production.
Taxation
intermediateAccounting
Applying Sri Lankan income tax, VAT, and corporate tax law to calculate liabilities, prepare returns, and advise on tax-efficient compliance.
Maritime Law, Customs & Trade Compliance
advancedMarine & Offshore
Applying maritime, customs, and fisheries trade regulations governing vessel operations, imports, exports, and quotas.
Ayurvedic Medicine Practice
advancedIndigenous Medicine
Diagnosing and treating patients using classical Ayurvedic methods such as Panchakarma, herbal formulation, and Tridosha theory.
Warehouse & Inventory Management
intermediateLogistics & Supply Chain
Controlling stock levels, warehouse layout, and inventory accuracy using stock-control systems to balance availability against holding cost.
Port & Harbor Operations Management
intermediateMarine & Offshore
Coordinating vessel berthing, harbor facilities, and administrative operations at ports and fishing harbors.
Screenwriting & Scriptwriting
intermediateWriting & Journalism
Writing dialogue, plot structure, and narrative for films, television dramas, and stage plays.
Geotechnical & Soil Engineering
advancedCivil & Structural
Investigating soil and rock properties to design safe foundations, slopes, tunnels, and earthworks.
Audiological Assessment & Hearing Care
advancedAllied Health
Testing hearing and balance function and fitting or programming hearing aids and implants to manage hearing loss.
Military Operations & Combat Readiness
intermediateDefence
Planning and executing combat, training, and field operations across the land, sea, and air branches of the armed forces.
Law Enforcement & Public Safety
intermediateLaw Enforcement
Crime prevention, criminal investigation, traffic control, and community policing to maintain public order and safety.
Judicial & Legal Practice
advancedLegal
Applying statutory and case law to adjudicate disputes, prosecute or defend cases, and advise government departments on legal matters.
Performing & Fine Arts Instruction
intermediateEducation
Teach practical and theoretical skills in music, dance, drama, or visual art forms to students of varying ages and levels.
Brand Management & Strategy
advancedMarketing
Developing and safeguarding a brand's positioning, identity, and reputation in the market to build long-term customer loyalty.
Marine Safety & Water Rescue
intermediateMarine & Offshore
Monitoring water safety and performing rescue and emergency response techniques in beach, pool, and marine settings.
Marine Geology & Geophysics
advancedMarine & Offshore
Studying the structure, composition, and sub-surface features of the ocean floor using geological and geophysical survey methods.
Fleet & Transportation Management
intermediateLogistics & Supply Chain
Managing commercial vehicle fleets, routing, and maintenance scheduling to keep transportation operations safe, efficient, and cost-effective.
Mining & Mineral Resource Engineering
advancedResource Engineering
Planning and directing the safe extraction and processing of minerals and ores from surface and underground mines.
Veterinary Clinical Practice
advancedAnimal Health
Diagnosing and treating illness and injury in animals, including surgery, vaccination, and preventive herd or wildlife health management.
Film & TV Directing
advancedMedia Production
Guiding the creative and technical execution of a film, television, or theatre production from script to final cut.
Traditional Craftsmanship (Masks, Puppetry & Handloom)
intermediateHeritage & Culture
Hand-producing traditional Sri Lankan crafts such as ceremonial masks, puppets, and handloom textiles using indigenous techniques.
Call Center & BPO Operations
BPO & Outsourcing
Manages inbound/outbound voice and non-voice customer interactions and outsourced business process workflows for international clients.
Risk Management & Mitigation
intermediateManagement
Identifying, assessing and mitigating operational, project and organizational risks through structured analysis, control frameworks and contingency planning.
NGO Program Management & Grant Administration
Development & NGO
Plans, implements, and reports on donor-funded development programmes, including budgeting, compliance, and grant proposal writing.
Sustainable & Community-Based Tourism
intermediateTourism
Designing and running tourism products that conserve the environment and channel economic benefit to local host communities.
Tourism Destination Marketing
advancedTourism
Promoting a destination, region, or attraction through branding, campaigns, and stakeholder partnerships to grow visitor numbers.
Front Office & Reservations Operations
intermediateHospitality
Managing guest check-in and check-out, room reservations, billing, and front-desk service systems in hotels and resorts.
Hotel Housekeeping Operations
intermediateHospitality
Maintaining room cleanliness, linen and laundry standards, and housekeeping staff scheduling across hotel and resort properties.
Sustainable & Green Building Design
advancedGreen Building
Applying energy-efficient design principles, sustainable materials, and green-certification standards to reduce a building's environmental footprint.
Physical Education & Sports Coaching
intermediateEducation
Deliver physical education curricula and coach school sports teams while promoting fitness, teamwork, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Financial Technology (Fintech)
intermediateFintech
Designing and managing digital financial products such as mobile banking, digital payments, and online lending platforms.
Marine Biology & Ecosystem Research
advancedMarine & Offshore
Researching marine species, ecosystems, and habitats to inform conservation and sustainable resource management.
Overseas Recruitment & Migration Services Compliance
Foreign Employment
Manages licensed recruitment, deployment, and welfare compliance of migrant workers under foreign employment bureau regulations.
Real Estate & Facilities Management
intermediateReal Estate
Managing property portfolios, leases, and building operations to ensure efficient, safe, and profitable use of real estate assets.
Educational & Child Psychology Assessment
advancedEducation
Assess and diagnose learning, developmental, and behavioural difficulties in students to guide educational support planning.
Nutrition & Dietary Counseling
intermediateAllied Health
Assessing dietary needs and designing nutrition plans to manage health conditions or improve athletic and general wellbeing.
Wildlife Conservation & Protected Area Management
advancedEnvironmental
Manages national park and wildlife sanctuary operations including anti-poaching patrols, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, habitat management, and wildlife census work.
Portfolio Management
advancedInvestment
Selecting and continuously rebalancing a mix of investments to meet a client's or institution's return and risk objectives.
Public Policy Analysis & Formulation
advancedPublic Sector
Researching, analysing, and drafting government policy options, action plans, and legislative or regulatory proposals.
Airline & Airport Ground Operations
intermediateAviation
Handling passenger check-in, boarding, baggage, and ground-service coordination to keep airline and airport operations safe and on time.
Psychological Assessment & Therapy
advancedMental Health
Evaluating emotional and behavioural wellbeing and applying therapeutic techniques to support mental health and personal development.
Optometry & Vision Care
advancedAllied Health
Examining eyes, diagnosing vision problems, and fitting corrective lenses or low-vision aids to preserve and improve sight.
Dental & Oral Health Care
advancedDental Care
Diagnosing and treating conditions of the teeth, gums, and mouth, from routine restorative work to oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Sustainable Manufacturing & Circular Production
Materials & Manufacturing
Designing and operating production processes that reduce water, energy and chemical use and support circular, ethical manufacturing.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML/KYC)
intermediateRisk & Compliance
Detecting and preventing money laundering and terrorist financing through customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and Know-Your-Customer checks.
Claims Management (Insurance)
intermediateInsurance
Investigating, verifying, and settling insurance claims fairly and in line with policy terms and regulatory timelines.
Property & Land Valuation
advancedReal Estate
Assessing the market value of land, buildings, and other property assets for sale, taxation, or legal purposes.
Official Language Translation & Interpretation
advancedPublic Sector
Translating and interpreting official documents, speeches, and proceedings between Sinhala, Tamil, and English under the Official Languages Act.
Educational Counseling & Career Guidance
intermediateEducation
Guide students through academic, personal, and career decisions using structured counselling and guidance techniques.
Special Needs & Inclusive Education
advancedEducation
Support students with learning disabilities, developmental differences, and diverse needs through individualised education plans and adapted teaching methods.
Educational Quality Assurance & Inspection
advancedEducation
Evaluate teaching quality, school management, and compliance with national education standards through structured inspections and feedback.
Siddha & Unani Medicine Practice
advancedIndigenous Medicine
Applying traditional Siddha or Unani diagnostic systems and herbal-mineral formulations to treat and prevent illness.
Ship Cargo & Freight Logistics
intermediateMarine & Offshore
Coordinating cargo shipment, freight forwarding, and documentation for maritime trade and port logistics.
Pricing Strategy & Analysis
advancedMarketing
Using market, cost, and competitor data to set and adjust prices that maximize profitability and competitiveness.
Chemical Oceanography
advancedMarine & Offshore
Analyzing the chemical composition of seawater and the cycling of elements and pollutants in ocean ecosystems.
Freight Forwarding & Customs Clearance
intermediateLogistics & Supply Chain
Arranging international freight movement and preparing customs documentation to ensure compliant, on-time cross-border shipment of goods.
Treasury Management
advancedBanking
Managing an organisation's cash flow, liquidity, funding, and foreign-exchange exposure to keep it financially stable.
Media Planning & Buying
advancedMarketing
Selecting and purchasing the optimal mix of media channels and placements to reach target audiences within budget.
Standardized Test Preparation Coaching (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
intermediateEducation
Coach students in the specific strategies, formats, and skills needed to succeed in international English proficiency examinations.
Advertising Campaign Development
intermediateMarketing
Conceiving, planning, and executing advertising campaigns across media channels to meet brand awareness and sales objectives.
Buddhist Monastic Practice & Pali Studies
Religious Services
Applies Theravada Buddhist doctrine, Pali language scholarship, and monastic discipline in religious teaching and community leadership.
Labour Law & Industrial Relations
advancedHuman Resources
Managing trade union negotiations, collective bargaining, disciplinary inquiries, Labour Tribunal proceedings, and compliance with employment legislation (e.g. Termination of Employment of Workmen Act, Shop & Office Employees Act).
Compensation & Benefits Administration
intermediateHuman Resources
Designing salary structures, incentive/bonus schemes, employee benefits, job grading, salary benchmarking, payroll tax withholding (PAYE), and statutory contributions (EPF/ETF) administration.
Aviation Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Aviation
Manages aviation safety management systems, regulatory audits, and incident investigations to ICAO and civil aviation authority standards.
Private Security & Risk Protection
Security Services
Provides physical security, surveillance, and risk protection services for commercial, residential, and institutional premises.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Assessment
Development & NGO
Designs and manages M&E frameworks, data collection tools, and impact evaluations for development and humanitarian projects.
Religious & Temple Administration
Religious Services
Manages the administrative, financial, and cultural affairs of temples, kovils, mosques, and religious institutions.
Hotel Revenue Management & Yield Optimization
advancedHospitality
Analyzing demand, occupancy, and competitor pricing to set room rates and distribution strategy that maximize hotel revenue.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing Processes
Food Science
Running industrial-scale food and beverage production lines, including batching, processing and hygienic manufacturing practices.
Intelligence Analysis & Imagery Interpretation
advancedDefence
Interpreting satellite and aerial imagery and other intelligence sources to support national security, border monitoring, and disaster response.
Diplomatic & International Relations
advancedForeign Affairs
Managing bilateral and multilateral diplomatic relations, protocol, and international negotiations on behalf of the state.
CRM & Lifecycle Marketing
intermediateMarketing
Using customer relationship data and marketing automation to nurture leads, retain customers, and personalize communication across the customer lifecycle.
Performance Marketing & Paid Advertising
advancedMarketing
Planning, running, and optimizing paid digital advertising campaigns across search and social channels to maximize ROI and minimize acquisition cost.
Library & Information Science
intermediateEducation
Curate, catalogue, and manage library resources while supporting research and reading culture among students and staff.
Early Childhood Education & Development
intermediateEducation
Facilitate play-based and developmentally appropriate learning for young children, monitoring growth milestones and foundational skills.
Revenue & Tax Administration
intermediatePublic Sector
Assessing, collecting, and enforcing local-government taxes, rates, rents, and trade licensing fees.
Public Procurement & Tender Management
advancedPublic Sector
Preparing bidding documents, evaluating tenders, awarding contracts, and ensuring compliance with national public procurement guidelines.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & GMP Compliance
Pharmaceuticals
Ensures pharmaceutical manufacturing processes meet Good Manufacturing Practice, batch release, and validation standards.
Islamic Religious Instruction & Arabic Studies
Religious Services
Provides Islamic religious education, Quranic and Arabic language instruction, and leads congregational prayers and community guidance.
Hindu Ritual Practice & Temple Priesthood
Religious Services
Performs Hindu religious rituals, ceremonies, and festivals in accordance with Agama Shastra tradition at kovils and temples.
Railway Engineering & Rolling Stock Maintenance
Transport & Rail
Designs, maintains, and modernises railway track, signalling, and rolling stock infrastructure.
Product Marketing & Go-to-Market Strategy
advancedMarketing
Positioning products, defining value propositions, and coordinating cross-functional launches to drive market adoption.
Procurement & Supply Chain Management
intermediateSupply Chain & Procurement
Sourcing, negotiating and purchasing goods and services while managing supplier relationships, contracts and supply chain efficiency.
language
Reference vocabulary
What does that skill mean?
120 broader skill terms from O*NET — the US Department of Labor's occupational database — with plain-English descriptions. Use these to understand what a skill actually means; the section above shows what it opens up in Sri Lanka.
Core skills needed for almost every job — the foundations of work.
Active Learning
“figuring out how to use new ideas or things”
Active Listening
“listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions”
Critical Thinking
“thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem”
Learning Strategies
“using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things”
Mathematics
“using math to solve problems”
Monitoring
“keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements”
Reading Comprehension
“reading work related information”
Science
“using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems”
Speaking
“talking to others”
Writing
“writing things for co-workers or customers”
Frequently Asked Questions
Each of the 344+ skills on paths.lk links to the real career paths that require it and the degrees, diplomas, professional qualifications, and online platforms that teach it — so you can see the full route from "I have this skill" to "here's a job that needs it."
