A recent report released by Sri Lanka’s Department of Census and Statistics highlights a persistent digital gap in the island nation, revealing that only one in five households currently owns a desktop or laptop computer.
Key Highlights
- Computer ownership in Sri Lanka remains low, standing at approximately 20% nationwide.
- The data underscores significant regional and socio-economic disparities in technology access.
- Crucial reliance on mobile devices persists, while personal computer adoption lags behind.
The findings draw attention to ongoing challenges in expanding hardware accessibility, particularly across rural and estate sectors. While mobile phone and internet penetration have expanded rapidly in recent years, access to personal computers—which are essential for higher education, technical skill building, and remote employment opportunities—remains limited for a vast majority of the population.
Economic pressures, elevated import costs, and rising prices for consumer electronics have further compounded the issue, slowing down technology adoption at the household level. Industry analysts emphasize that bridging this digital divide through targeted policy interventions, educational support, and affordable infrastructure will be vital for driving Sri Lanka’s broader economic and technological development.