Measures to attract foreign IT professionals for the development of the local IT industry may not be apolitically popular decision in Sri Lanka, according to a recent industry related policy document.“Firstly, it is necessary to develop the HR capacity locally. Secondly, if local capacity is not adequate, Sri Lanka may have to attract foreign IT professionals.
A key source may be India. This may not be a politically popular decision in Sri Lanka. However, it is essential for the development of the local IT industry, according to a recent policy document titled, ‘Digital Economy of Sri Lanka National Goals and Lessons from the South’ which was launched at a virtual event by The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka in collaboration with UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development). The report highlights the need to expand R&D capacity which plays perhaps the most important role in capturing the market with innovations. All international firms so far successful in the innovation game are masters in R&D. This requires close coordination between the universities, state or non-state, and industry. “Not that Sri Lanka lacks it today,but it certainly needs to be strengthened to a level that almost all pass-outs are immediately absorbed by the industry with no further orientation or training.
For this, both institutions and industries must clearly understand each other’s needs.”As per the policy document, the other important factor is country readiness. While some approaches could betaken immediately backing on the developments so far happened, others have to wait. “For example, Sri Lanka may not be immediately prepared for supplying AI products or Autonomous Electrical Vehicles to the global market. That may require environmental readiness. On the other hand, for E-Commerce or Education Technology, or maybe even for Fintech, there exist a mature market.It is essential that the successful international approaches are correctly identified and integrated into the Digital Economy Strategy of Sri Lanka for achieving the stipulated targets.”
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