Lanka ranks last in South Asia in computer skills

According to Sri Lanka's Department of Census and Statistics, only two people in five have computer skills in the country, while 64.1 per cent of the population was unable to use a computer in 2024.

- (AsiaNews)

Although overall South Asian countries have seen improvements in computer literacy rates over the past five years, Sri Lanka has seen a decline, setting back its efforts to improve digital skills.

The computer literacy rate has remained incredibly low, with survey results indicating a 3.1 per cent decline in 2023 and 2024.

The gap in computer and digital literacy suggests difficulties in acquiring basic skills and accessing IT devices and infrastructure, as well as internet connectivity.

In 2024, only 19.1 per cent of households owned a computer. Urban areas have the highest computer literacy rate, at 47.3 per cent, while rural areas and plantations have significantly lower rates, at 18.8 per cent and 4.7 per cent, respectively.