The Internet’s no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity

Sadly, Sri Lanka has fallen behind in many aspects of human development. The economy contracted over 13% last year and is projected to contract again by three percent this year. The best way to arrest the decline and position the country for growth is by making it easy for citizen to access services and information via Internet.

Providing Internet connectivity to all citizen will be a game changer. Over 90% Malaysian citizens have access to Internet and Thailand 85%. Why is our president not focusing and marshaling investment in this crucial area? Our IT minister seems to be in a deep slumber, why isn’t the media holding him accountable? Why is the media not informing the public of the big opportunity the country is missing?

In this modern era, where technology has become an integral part of our lives, having access to the Internet has become more a necessity than a luxury. While many developed countries have recognized this and made such access a basic human right, there are still many developing nations, including Sri Lanka, where the majority of the population lacks access to the Internet.

According to a recent report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only 32% of Sri Lanka’s population has internet access. This is significantly lower than the global average of 53%. This lack of access to the internet has numerous implications for the country’s economic, social, and educational development.

Internet enables Government social welfare to be directly accessed by the needy, eliminating the “middle man” and kickbacks; it also offer transparency in tenders and procurement transactions with digital footprints.

With the growth of remote work and online learning, internet connectivity has become a crucial necessity for Lankans to participate in the global economy and education. As more and more companies adopt digital solutions, those who lack access to the internet are being left behind. This creates a digital divide that is detrimental to Sri Lanka’s economic growth and development.

In addition, internet connectivity has become essential for accessing vital information, including news, health advice, and government services. During the pandemic, reliable internet connections allowed people to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and health guidelines. It also enabled remote access to healthcare services making it possible for people to receive medical advice and treatment without leaving their homes.

Moreover, internet access provides opportunities for social connectivity and access to entertainment which is vital for mental health and well-being. With an internet connection, people can stay connected with loved ones and friends, access entertainment such as movies and games, and access social media platforms to stay up-to-date with current events.

In conclusion, internet connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity for everyone in Sri Lanka. It is essential for economic growth, education, access to information, and social connectivity. The government and private sector need to work together to ensure that everyone in the country has access to reliable and affordable internet connections. It is time to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone in Sri Lanka can fully participate in the digital age.

I hope your newspaper focuses on holding the Information Technology Minister accountable for negligence of responsibility. Also, inform the citizen of the critical need to invest and build up internet. The country has missed so many opportunities in the past. Let’s at least learn from past mistakes and make amends.

Bandula Soysa

bsoysa@hotmail.com