Information technology development in Sri Lanka

Abstract

It is easy to introduce new and emerging technologies such as Information Technology (IT) to any developing economy, with or without the assistance of developed economies. What is important however, is the ability of a country to sustain the technological developments for economic growth. This ability depends on key areas such as Human Resources Development, Infrastructure Development, and Policy Framework Development and their implementation. Computers were introduced in Sri Lanka in the late sixties, when the State Engineering Corporation first followed by the Department of Census, acquired computers. Yet almost after 30 years Sri Lanka has not been able to make an impression in the global IT scene as a major consumer or as a provider. This paper outlines global trends and examines some of the issues relevant in the Sri Lankan context. It also describes the development of LEARN, the pioneering Internet initiative for the academic and research community in Sri Lanka.