The role of Information Technology trends in planning an Information Technology led development strategy for Sri Lanka

Abstract

It is important to accurately identify the trends of a technology to formulate realistic policies relevant to it. Number of examples related to IT industry proves that this is no exception to IT. This article discusses the global trends of IT applications in areas like education, acces to information, governance, public services, business & commerce, industry , agriculture, home & leisure and their relevance to Sri Lanka . The potential key impediments and trends with respect to the two main investment opportunities namely the software and IT education & training are also highlighted. Sri Lanka has the potential to take advantage of the emerging trend s in many areas. This paper stresses the need to formulate a national policy on IT that would actively promote its application in as many spheres as possible and eliminate the obstacles stifling their implementation.