DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN SRI LANKA: EVALUATING PROGRESS AND ADDRESSING CHALLENGES

Abstract

Digitalization processes are an important aspect in the development of economies of countries around the world. The Seventeen UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN, 2015) announced in 2015 presented a challenge to the global economy. Solving the problem strengthening digitalization processes will achieve the following goals: Decent work and economic growth (goal 8), build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation (goal 9) and, make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable (goal 11). Digital transformation is crucial for enhancing societal and economic progress in Sri Lanka. This study aims to investigate the evolution of digital technology use in Sri Lanka, focusing on internet access, mobile phone usage, and digital literacy. The process includes looking at government efforts, telecom statistics, and case studies that are industry-specific. The statistics show that there has been a significant increase in internet penetration to 50% and mobile phone subscriptions to 28.4 million due to competitive market conditions and regulatory activities. The paper highlights how crucial it is to address digital literacy and infrastructure concerns in order to leverage digital revolution for fair growth. Interestingly, metropolitan regions have greater rates of digital adoption than rural ones, indicating a need to address the digital divide. Achieving nationwide digital inclusion depends in large part on the government's role in promoting digital education and enhancing internet accessible. The report also highlights the necessity of ongoing investments in digital infrastructure and the development of programs for developing digital skills. The practical implications of these findings point to the possibility of greatly boosting the population's digital capacities by focused policies and well-timed investments, which will promote social inclusion and economic growth. Sri Lanka can enhance its residents' quality of life, draw in foreign investment, and more fully integrate into the global digital economy by concentrating on sustainable digital growth. Policymakers, business stakeholders, and academic scholars interested in the digital transformation of developing economies will find great value in this thorough analysis.