ArticlePDF Available

Information Communication Technology (ICT) Policy of Sri Lanka and its Impacts to Socioeconomic Development: A Review of Sri Lankan Experience

Authors:
Ravindra Dissanayake at University of Kelaniya
Ravindra Dissanayake
Download full-text PDFDownload full-text PDF
Read full-text
Download citation

Abstract

The ICT policy of Sri Lanka has been largely contributed by both local and international institutions with the holistic purpose of enhancing quality of mass and providing sustainable outset for a knowledge society. The methodology followed by the author was secondary data review and the review report discusses the origin of ICT policy and how it integrates with broad set of stakeholders especially with education, government, industry and masses of Sri Lanka. This article provides a review of how successfully Sri Lanka initiates working programmes by the support of institutions accompanied with new policy frameworks. The key insight of this review article educates the importance of strategic implementation of ICT to strengthening country development plans operating as a value adding hub to industries and communities. The contribution of ICT as an enabler to succeed different sectors has been discussed under different segments. Finally, it concludes the way and progress what ICT should have in future to broadening opportunities for third world countries.
ICT policy of Sri Lanka artic
le.pdf
Content uploaded by Ravindra Dissanayake
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Ravindra Dissanayake on Jun 11, 2015
Content may be subject to copyright.
Information Communication Technology (ICT) Policy of Sri Lanka and its Impacts to Socioeconomic Development: A Review of Sri Lankan Experien
ce.pdf
Available via license: CC BY 4.0
Content may be subject to copyright.
A preview of the PDF is not available
... (ITU, 2018). The current developments in Sri Lanka in the field of ICT integration show that the country needs to focus on the human aspect and its needs in ICT integration (Ravindra, 2011). Since the establishment of Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka in 2003, the country has made great strides in ICT reform. ...
... Since the establishment of Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka in 2003, the country has made great strides in ICT reform. The implementation of the e-Sri Lanka roadmap and the draft National Digital Policy for Sri Lanka 2020-2025 are among the most important measures of success of this impressive body (Ravindra, 2011;Vidanagama & Karunathilake, 2021;Wijesinghe, 2015). The national ICT policy requires the strategies and action plans for enabling infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, information security and standards, human capacity building, socioeconomic development (including poverty alleviation, health care, and use of ICT in local languages), and the use of ICT for trade facilitation and e-commerce, egovernment, industry and global competitiveness, and environmental issues (ICTA, 2015). ...
Introduction to Policies and Practices Around Adoption of ICTs in Cambodian and Sri Lankan Higher Education
Chapter
  • Apr 2024
This article explores the adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in higher education in Cambodia and Sri Lanka. It delves into the policies, practices, and contextual factors affecting the integration of ICTs into these countries’ educational systems. Drawing on policy documents, international organizational support, and field experiences, the study aims to identify key factors influencing the effective implementation of technology in education. Through an empirical approach, the article examines the political, socio-economic, and technological contexts of these nations, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in integrating ICTs into higher education. The findings highlight the significance of addressing issues related to hardware, software and content development, networks, and technical support. The study emphasizes the importance of improvement of ICT technological infrastructure of universities, training and qualification for educational staff to maximize the benefits of ICT in teaching and learning. It also acknowledges the gender gap in ICT-related programs and the need for gender-inclusive initiatives. Ultimately, this research underscores the vital role of ICT integration in advancing higher education, economic development, and global competitiveness in Cambodia and Sri Lanka. Addressing these challenges and harnessing ICT opportunities is paramount to building a digitally skilled workforce and enhancing higher education systems in these countries.
View
... Collaboration between public and private sector agencies Driven to emulate the success story of India's burgeoning software industry (Dissanayake, 2011), Sri Lanka's government and private sector agencies joined forces to drive the development of Sri Lanka's ICT/BPM sector. In 2002, a large-scale and arguably one of the most comprehensive ICT development strategies in the South Asian region took place, in cooperation with development partners such as the World Bank. ...
... Together, the e-Sri Lanka initiative was launched, aimed at improving access to ICT to further economic and social development and to work towards a digitally inclusive Sri Lanka. As part of the initiative, public-private sector collaborations worked on taking 'the dividends of ICT to every village, every citizen, to every business and also transform the way Government works' (ICTA, 2010), by digitising various government services and improving ICT access in rural areas (Dissanayake, 2011). ...
Assessing Sri-Lankas Economic Transformation Pathways, 1977 - 2019
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2020
This study analyses Sri Lanka’s transformation pathways, particularly the country’s shift from an agriculture-based society to a more industrial and services-based economy. It undertakes a granular exploration of economic transformation at a sectoral level in Sri Lanka from the late 1970s to 2019. It focuses on the garment sector within the industrial sector, and two services sectors – the tourism sector and the information and communications technology/business process management (ICT/BPM) sector. The study adopts a common approach to analysing the transformation pathways of each sector over time by considering sectoral performance (including value addition, employment and exports), key triggers, enabling factors, policies and challenges. By looking at the long-term dynamics of specific sectors, it contributes to the literature on economic transformation in Sri Lanka.
View
... Jamwal et al. (2011) highlighted being a neighboring country of Bangladesh, the Indian government established the infrastructure of the National Informatics Center (NIC) in 1976 to support the delivery of government IT services to the grassroots. Similarly, another neighboring country, Sri Lankan Government Information Center provides information on 1476 services to the rural population of their own country (Ravindra, 2011). ...
Knowledge Attitude and Practice toward Union Digital Center (UDC): Strategies and Recommendations Regarding Building Self-efficacy for Rural Females of Bangladesh
Article
  • Jul 2022
  • J SOC SERV RES
Union Digital Center (UDC) is an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) based one-stop service center at the doorsteps of the population that provides quicker and smoother services to citizens. Females all over the globe use ICT to a lesser extent than men, and in patriarchal Bangladesh, it is even lower. The study tries to fill the knowledge gaps by considering rural females’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding UDC. The aim is to reveal how effectively KAP has been shaped to attain self-efficacy for rural females. A mixed-method research approach was applied utilizing demographic survey through a semi-structured questionnaire followed by ten focus group discussions (FGDs) comprising eighty-seven participants and three Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Primary data has been collected using non-probability purposive sampling. Through thematic analysis, the study identified fields requiring special attention toward strengthening e-service, health, finance, and gender-based violence and found two broad themes of interventions, including service quality assurance and capacity enhancement to improve participants experience of using UDC. As the study revealed eighty-seven rural females’ experience, future studies can consider this as a pilot study and investigate the pattern of livelihood upgradation of indigenous community by adopting government’s latest social service delivery mechanism. • HIGHLIGHTS • Government established Union Digital Center (UDC) to simplify public service delivery processes and make them citizen friendly. • ICT based service delivery usages by females is low comparing to male counterparts. • Even though UDC charged less (75%) and thus saved time (72.5%) and made life easier (77.5%) for rural females, almost two-thirds of participants require to visit sub-urban cities to complete their ICT related activities. • Family members (73.75%) receive services on behalf of the female participants and among those mostly spouse (63%) avail those services. • Service Quality Assurance and Capacity Enhancement are two broad strategies recommended by the specialists and participants to improve female participation in UDC service delivery system.
View
... The author bears the stance that failure to construct a collective identity in which all constituents feel inclusive is a major drawback in nation-state building in Sri Lanka. Some studies highlight the importance of modern technology to empower rural communities to connect with economic development via informational communication technology to avoid cultural and knowledge barriers (Dissanayake, 2011). However, the history and culture of Sri Lanka were attributed by such knowledge as per the evidence proved in construction, irrigation and indigenous medicines being used. ...
Significance and Issues of Developing Heritage Tourism at Godawaya for Peace in Sri Lanka
Article
  • Dec 2019
Heritage is considered to be anything that someone wishes to conserve or to collect, and to pass on to future generations. Heritage tourism can contribute to reducing stereotypical attitudes in society and it may lead to a behavioural change and then reduce social contradictions. At present, the use of heritage in tourism is a sensitive and dynamic area of development, particularly where communities which were involved in violent conflicts have moved from war to non-war. Sri Lanka in its post-war peace building process is yet to harness heritage tourism as an avenue for peace and to discover its developmental potential and novel perspectives for peace building process. Godawaya in Hambanthota district in the Southern province of Sri Lanka retain archaeological evidence of a prehistoric civilization. The objectives of this research are to explore the archaeological significance of this site, its cultural value, the interconnections between community and to find possibilities of promoting peace through tourism in Sri Lanka. The methodological approach taken to answer the research question was based on grounded theory. This theory had been constructed based on the meaningfulness or understanding of conversations, observations and interpretations made at the research field. Systematic coding, data analysis and theoretical sampling procedures were carried out during the research process that enables the researcher to deduce from diverse patterns of data description into a higher level of abstraction. The main qualitative methods incorporated to the grounded theory were participant observation, unstructured interviewing, observation and documentary materials. The study finds the failure to construct a cohesive identity suffers a major drawback in Sri Lanka’s nation-state building process. This research has explored the potential of this site which can channel the conscientization process to rediscover a common inheritance and identity between the two ethnic groups of Sinhalese and Tamils which can foster peace. This article also discusses how different ideological representations would like to perceive the history, the land and the heritage of Sri Lanka as well as how primordial sentiments are developed leading to the ethnic segregation. This study has identified the potential that heritage tourism has to reduce structural violence by empowering local communities to reduce inter-ethnic, religious and other prejudices.
View
... Information communication technology (ICT) was first developed by the Natural Resources, Energy and Science Authority of Sri Lanka (NARESA) (Ravindra 2011). After the introduction of ICT, IBM has also developed ICT in-house to redefine the strengths of their business consulting. ...
Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to Enhance the Success of Knowledge Management (KM): a Study in a Steel Plant
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2021
With the rapid adoption of digital frugality in the techno-social circles, it has become the need of the hour for organizations to adopt advanced technologies like knowledge management (KM) within their organization to retrieve and enhance the efficiency of an organization in an effective way. This article also depicts the relationship between information communication technology (ICT) and knowledge management (KM). The research work has been conducted in four stages. Primarily, Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), Bhilai, was chosen as a case for the case study. For the accomplishment of this, a questionnaire survey and structured discussion sessions with the executives of the computer science and information technology (CS&IT) department of BSP were conducted. Next, factor analysis has been accomplished through the literature review and brainstorming technique. After this accomplishment of factor analysis, the next logical step to follow was to propose a theoretical framework to ensure the effective use of KM with the integration of ICT in it. Post formation of the framework, it was validated through the Delphi technique as the final step. The study found that ICT has a strong positive impact on the success of KM implementation in an organization. Success factors of ICT are identified and integrated with KM and a framework is proposed for the same. The purpose of the proposed framework is to optimize the success of KM implementation using ICT in the steel industry. The article may be insightful for the organizations seeking to implement KM in their organization. The researchers may also be benefited in establishing a further relationship between ICT and KM.
View
Managing the Post-Colony, Volume 1: Ways of Managing, Organising and Living: Focus on South Asia
Book
  • Aug 2022
Seen from the perspective of management, a modern discipline which has become the most sought-after professional practice and academic discipline globally (Steyaert et al. 2016; Pfeffer and Fong 2002), the phrase Managing the Post-Colony implies a management practice that operates on the post-colony. The discipline’s self-fashioning and evolution as a body of knowledge and practices have occurred largely in contrast with and opposition to the colloquial sense of ‘managing’ as getting by, or coping with everyday vicissitudes involving the production and distribution of goods and services.
View
Untold Story of Sri Lanka: Paradox in Education, ICT and Development in Post—Colony
Chapter
  • Jan 2022
This chapter investigates Sri Lankan education, human development and economic development, against the backdrop of colonization and globalization and explores how colonialization affects some of the factors with different realities. The free education policy of Sri Lanka after independence has improved the quality of education as well as the literacy rate of the country. Sri Lanka has a comparatively high Human Capital Index and which has been identified as responsible for better position of human development compared to many other countries. But, computer literacy rate in Sri Lanka is quite low and disparities align with regional development disparities. Regional disparities can be linked to emergence of Colombo as the center of administration. This itself is an effect of colonization and subsequent globalization, resulting in deep regional disparity. Kannangara's philosophy focused on reversing colonial impact by empowering country’s future generations for breaking the chains of poverty and colonialism through education. But incongruence of development strategies impacts regional disparities of computer literacy despite high literacy.KeywordsFree educationPost-colonyReginal disparityICTSri Lanka
View
Framework of E-Governance at the Grass Roots Level
Chapter
  • Jan 2021
E-government theories are prevailing in a variety of formats and concepts around the globe, nations, and institutions, but there are not many examples to emulate in terms of developing a comprehensive framework of e-governance system at the outer periphery of the government tiers. This research would like to carry out a comprehensive analysis on various theories built around the e-governance perception, but the prime focus will be devoted to the penetration of e-government system, particularly at the grassroots. To narrow down further, the study will conduct analytical observations in a few developed, developing, and transitional economies. Furthermore, to be more concise, the research will specifically focus on various e-government implementations at the grass roots that penetrated the lowest tier of the governance system for community empowerment and knowledge enhancement. Before conclusion, it will try to put forward prospective research agenda, including the framework of a future e-government system at the local government level.
View
Empowerment of Grass Roots Communities Through Information-Driven Learning
Chapter
  • Jan 2021
Methodologies involving issues to empower remotely distributed communities localized with sub-standard or lower-standard information backbone are still in demand of imperative attention from the policy initiation level in each country. Hence, particular attention should be given to grassroot-level participants in formulating non-conventional approaches to elucidate on demand-driven content by articulating grassroots communities in homogeneous coherence, and at the same time emulating to multifarious conjunctures of socio-economic elements. Efforts have been given in this chapter in synthesizing contents dependent on technologies, meant for distant mode of education and online education including analytical approaches to develop a pragmatic repository of the education system.
View
Student Satisfaction through Service Quality: A Review on Higher Education Sector
Article
Full-text available
  • Jul 2019
Student satisfaction is a key indicator for a higher educational institutional success. As Sri Lanka is envisioning to become a global educational hub this paper attempts to find the key features of the student satisfaction. The service quality model has been applied to identify the students' satisfaction in the private higher education institutions in Sri Lanka. Theoretical and empirical work studies were used in the conceptualization of the process and a comparability investigation carried out in three international educational regions in order to identify Sri Lanka's future focus in developing the students' satisfaction in higher education and thereby becoming a global educational hub as envisioned. Study identifies the global landscape and perception on student satisfaction has significantly been shifted from the fundamental satisfaction indicators. High student mobility and digital learning and teaching mechanism are identified as some of the important parameters for the student satisfaction in higher education institutes.
View
Differential effects of competency due to BPO and KPO industry differences in ITES sector in Sri Lanka
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2009
  • Career Dev Int
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify competency requirements that discriminate between Knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) and IT‐enabled business process outsourcing (ITES‐BPO) industries. Design/methodology/approach There are 25 firms operating in Sri Lanka that fall into the category of ITES‐BPO/KPO. HR managers of the 25 firms and a random sample of 117 employees from those 25 firms responded to the survey. In addition to descriptive statistics, independent sample t ‐test and logistic regression were used in the data analysis. Findings There are differences in competency requirements for KPO and BPO services. Further, demographic variables, namely, age, the level of education, and total years of industry experience shape competency requirements. Originality/value Despite greater volume of theoretical foundations and empirical evidence for people management in BPO/KPO services, specific literature investigating and comparing competency requirements, recruitment, selection and training of ITES‐BPO and KPO employees is scarce. Therefore, a research addressing those in a South Asian country that is considered as active and promising destination for ITES‐BPO/KPO services could provide practitioners with key information that could enable them to make informed managerial decisions.
View
Does Digital Divide or Provide? The Impact of Cell Phones on Grain Markets in Niger
Article
  • Jan 2008
Cell phones are quickly transforming markets in low-income countries. The effect is particularly dramatic in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, where cell phones often represent the first telecommunications infrastructure. Niger had approximately 2 landlines for every 1,000 people when mobile phones were first introduced in 2001. Since that time, mobile phone coverage has increased significantly throughout the country, with over 78 percent of markets covered by 2007. This working paper assesses the impact of mobile phones on grain market performance in one of the world’s poorest countries. Aker finds that the introduction of mobile phones is associated with a 20-percent reduction in grain price differences across markets, with a larger impact for markets that are farther apart and those that are linked by poor-quality roads. Cell phones also have a larger impact over time: as more markets have cell phone coverage, the greater the reduction in price differences. This is primarily due to changes in grain traders’ marketing behavior: cell phones lead to reduced search costs, more market information and increased efficiency in moving goods across the country. Aker concludes by outlining the ways in which information technology can be used as an effective poverty-reduction strategy in low-income countries.
View
A baseline sector analysis of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry of Sri Lanka
  • Aug 2006
  • Lirneasia
Lirneasia (2006). A baseline sector analysis of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry of Sri Lanka. 21 August, 2006.
Assessing the State of the World's Networked Readiness: Insight from the Networked Readiness Index
  • Jan 2007
  • 5-13
The Global Information Technology Report (2007-2008). Assessing the State of the World's Networked Readiness: Insight from the Networked Readiness Index. World Economic Forum: 5-13.