Harnessing Information Technology for national development: A policy framework for Sri Lanka

Abstract

Unprecedented advancements in Information Technology have made mankind very much dependant on it for a wide array of activities. IT also has paved a path for developing countries like Sri Lanka to overcome the severe challenges imposed by the globalisation of economic and financial activities. Therefore, the time is opportune for Sri Lanka to embrace IT and harness its capabilities for national development. Sri Lanka possesses the necessary prerequisites like a literate population and a liberalised economy, which would make this a relatively easy task. This paper discusses the measures needed to strengthen the key enabling factors for proliferation of IT including IT manpower and IT literacy, information infrastructure and legislation, measures needed to promote application of IT for activities falling under the major potential areas including education, access to information, governance, public services, business & commerce, industry, agriculture and home & leisure activities. The paper also presents measures to reap the maximum benefits of the two sectors related to IT having the greatest potential for success i.e., software industry and IT education & training. The paper argues the importance of incorporating the measures discussed under the above categories if Sri Lanka is to successfully harness the opportunities made available by IT for its development.