Abstract:
Digital divide persists in Sri Lanka, particularly among marginalized communities that are
unable to participate in the digital economy because of low internet penetration, poor
information and communication skills, and socio-economic status. The article critically
examines the roles of government policies in addressing digital disparity by exploring some of
the leading schemes, such as the e-Sri Lanka and the National Digital Economy Strategy 2030.
Qualitatively, policy analysis, government reports, and interview observations of the
stakeholders were conducted to determine the level at which the digital inclusion schemes are
operating. There is evidence to show that government efforts to augment digital infrastructure
and capacity building are adversely affected due to the unavailability of affordable internetenabled devices, local digital content, and poor public exposure to the prospect of online living.
The report suggests site-specific digital literacy education, enhancing internet facilities in rural
areas, and balancing policy intervention to fill the gap in the digital divide. Solutions include
supporting public-private partnerships, creating investments for ICT purchase, and getting
digital learning community projects implemented. These are some of the issues that need to
be addressed in an attempt to construct equal access to the virtual world and establish
sustainable economic and social development among the poor in Sri Lanka.
