Weak ICT Sector Impacts Connectivity Ranking

Sri Lanka’s below-average performance on the 2009 Connectivity Scorecard is closely tied to the country’s very low scoring in both consumer and business spheres.  Its best ratings come in mobile coverage, as well as above median scores for literacy and secondary school enrolment.  However, broadband penetration is low, as is internet usage and business spending on IT resources.  The country’s E-Government ranking is also below average.

Sri Lanka’s lack of ICT sector development is most likely limited not by the nation’s economic or human development situation, but rather by a telecommunications industry struggling with regulation and a lack of full competition.  Changes in this area could see an increase in penetration rates for both mobile telephony and broadband services.  Political instability is also a factor in terms of lowering foreign ICT investment.

Sri Lanka Connectivity Performance by Scorecard Component