The O/L results have just been released, and it’s a moment of mixed emotions for many. To those who have excelled, congratulations! You’ve reached an important milestone, and your hard work has been rewarded. This is just the start of a much bigger journey. But today, I want to speak directly to those who may be feeling disappointed or even disheartened by their results.

I want you to know that this isn’t the end of the road. In fact, far from it. There’s a whole world of opportunities out there that don’t depend solely on a piece of paper. One exam, one grade while it may feel like the world is crashing down does not determine your worth or your potential. With the rapid changes in industries, technology, and society as a whole, the pathways to success are more diverse than ever before.

Statistics Tell a Different Story

Let’s start by putting things in perspective. According to the Department of Examinations, only about 65% of students in Sri Lanka pass their O/Ls on their first attempt. That leaves a significant 35% who don’t quite make it. So, if you find yourself in that percentage, know that you are not alone. You’re not part of some small minority; you’re part of a large, resilient group of students who just need a different approach to reach their goals.

More importantly, data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights a growing global demand for skilled labor. In Sri Lanka, the current shortage of skilled workers is staggering up to 48% of available jobs are in sectors requiring specialized skills. Yet, many young people are funneled into traditional academic routes, leaving this demand unmet.

What does this mean for you? It means there are more options available than you might have considered. And while formal education can provide a solid foundation for some, it’s not the only key to unlocking success.

The Confidence of a Second Attempt

Before I dive into the world of skilled labor, let me say this: I highly recommend that you consider re-sitting for your O/Ls if you feel that higher education is still something you aspire to. There’s a real power in giving something a second shot. Not only does it build resilience, but it also gives you the confidence that comes from knowing you didn’t give up. Sometimes, just overcoming that hurdle on your second attempt is enough to propel you forward into university or other forms of higher learning. But, and this is important don’t see this as your only option.

The Unseen Power of Skilled Labor

Let me tell you a truth that’s often overlooked: formal education is not the only path to a fulfilling and prosperous life. In fact, Sri Lanka is in dire need of skilled labor across various sectors—construction, plumbing, electrical work, information technology, logistics, hospitality the list goes on. Skilled labor isn’t just about making ends meet; it’s about becoming indispensable in fields that keep society functioning.

Statistics from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka reveal that the country is facing a serious deficit in skilled workers. While we continue to produce graduates in arts and humanities, the demand for skilled labor in technical fields remains largely unfulfilled. A World Bank report suggests that nearly 70% of the youth in Sri Lanka are underutilized in terms of their potential, simply because they are not aligned with the right educational or vocational pathways.

So, why not consider developing a skill that’s both in demand and personally fulfilling? The world is shifting rapidly, and skilled laborers are becoming more valuable by the day. Industries that rely on trade skills are expanding, and many of these jobs offer competitive wages, job security, and growth opportunities that rival or even surpass those in traditional academic fields.

Changing the Narrative for Youth

For too long, society has pushed the idea that the only way to achieve success is through formal education. But we know that’s not true. Some of the most successful individuals in our history have built their lives and their legacies not through a university degree, but through the mastery of a craft, a trade, or a skill.

Take a moment to consider what you love doing, what you’re good at, and what the world needs. It could be something as hands-on as carpentry or as technical as coding. It could be starting your own business, learning a trade, or pursuing a creative path. Whatever it is, don’t let the notion that academic success is the only form of success hold you back.

As I’ve often said, “It’s not about winning, but about what you did to ensure someone else can win and take the nation forward.” You can still be a leader, a changemaker, and an innovator, no matter what path you choose. Skilled labor is an essential part of this nation’s growth, and you have the potential to contribute to that in ways that are invaluable.

It’s Time to Rethink Failure

Failure is just a word. And like all words, it only carries the weight we give it. You have the power to redefine what success and failure mean to you. What society labels as a failure could very well be the stepping stone to your greatest achievements.

This country doesn’t just need more academics; it needs creators, builders, and innovators. It needs you the generation that will help fill the gaps and build a more prosperous future for all of us.

So, to those who didn’t pass their O/Ls on the first try, know that you have more options than ever before. Whether you decide to retake your exams or pursue a different path altogether, what matters most is that you keep moving forward. Learn a skill, build confidence, and take control of your future. There’s no such thing as failure when every experience is a lesson, and every lesson moves you one step closer to your own definition of success.

As we rethink what it means to “fail,” let’s also rethink what it means to succeed. It’s not about the traditional measures. It’s about finding your place in the world, contributing meaningfully, and knowing that you’re capable of so much more than what a single result can show.

This isn’t a detour it’s just a different road. And sometimes, that road leads to the greatest destinations.