Sri Lanka’s computer literacy records 30.1 percent growth in first half of 2019
Sri Lanka’s Census and Statistics Department has reportedly recorded a 30.1 percent growth in the country’s computer literacy in the first half of 2019, rebounding from a fall to 27.5 percent a year earlier.
The Census and Statistics Department has stated that the highest computer literacy was reported from the Western Province which was 43.6 percent, while in the Eastern Province had recorded a low of 16 percent.
According to reports, nearly 70 percent of English speakers in Sri Lanka are computer literate and similar levels were reported among those who have attained educational qualifications of GCE Advance Level or above.
Among the Sinhalese and Tamil speakers, computer literacy was below 40 percent.
A gender gap was seen in computer literacy as well, with 32.1 percent men reporting an ability to operate a computer on their own, compared to 28.3 percent of women, the local media has reported.
The Census and Statistics Department has noted that school and university were the primary sources of IT training received in the urban, rural and estate residential sectors while large numbers of urban and rural persons have self-taught skills as well.
Data has also shown the switch from desktops and laptops towards smart phones continuing.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s growth in computer literacy is indicative of the constantly expanding ICT/digital infrastructure development sectors. Sri Lankan authorities in a bid to further boost the ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors have granted incentives to industries engaged in these two sectors. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore confidently explore business opportunities in Sri Lanka’s ICT/digital infrastructure development sectors.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/26022020/Z_2 |