Big Redone

Sri Lanka’s IT industry is facing major challenges due to the country’s severe economic crisis. The sector, which employs over 120,000 people, was on track to become the top exporter. Now, it struggles with power cuts, fuel shortages, and internet disruptions.

The crisis has led to record inflation, currency devaluation, and a lack of foreign exchange. This has caused shortages of fuel, medicines, and other essentials for 22 million people. Stalled imports have made it hard for IT firms to meet project deadlines and maintain client trust.

Investor confidence has been shaken by the ongoing crisis. Some companies have moved staff to offices in nearby countries to ensure business continuity. This raises concerns about the IT sector’s future in Sri Lanka and its ability to keep skilled workers.

The severe paper shortage has affected many industries, including education and IT. The government is trying to address resource scarcity and stabilize the economy. Meanwhile, IT firms must navigate operational challenges and retain top talent in uncertain times.

Key Takeaways

• Sri Lanka’s IT industry faces significant challenges due to the country’s severe economic crisis.
• Daily power cuts, fuel shortages, and internet disruptions hinder business continuity for IT firms.
• The economic crisis has shaken investor confidence, forcing some companies to temporarily relocate staff.
• Concerns arise about the IT sector’s ability to retain skilled labor amidst economic uncertainty.
• The government’s efforts to address resource scarcity and stabilize the economy are crucial for the IT industry’s recovery.

Impact of Economic Crisis on IT Industry Operations

Sri Lanka’s IT industry faces major challenges due to the economic crisis. Power cuts, internet issues, and fuel shortages disrupt operations. Companies struggle to meet client expectations and deliver quality work.

IT professionals have devised creative solutions to keep businesses running. Some work from hotel lobbies during outages. Others use a buddy system for fuel updates.

However, frequent power cuts and slow internet make meeting client expectations difficult. Quality of deliverables often suffers due to these obstacles.

Sri Lankan IT firms face tough competition from India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. There’s concern about losing business if delivery standards drop. Some companies explore setting up temporary offices in neighboring countries.

The crisis severely impacts the IT industry, once a major economic contributor. Before the pandemic, it employed over 120,000 people. It was the fifth-largest export earner, set to become the top exporter.

• Sri Lanka’s IT industry employed more than 120,000 people and was the fifth-largest export earner for the country.
• The industry was on track to become the top exporter within the next five years before the economic crisis hit.
• Inflation in Sri Lanka reached 39.1% in May 2021, with fuel prices more than doubling since the start of the year.
• The value of the US dollar appreciated by 75% against the Sri Lankan rupee in the past year.

Despite challenges, IT remains an attractive employer in Sri Lanka. It offers high salaries and flexible work environments. Companies seek creative solutions to navigate the crisis and maintain their economic position.

Challenge	Impact	Mitigation Strategies
Power cuts	Disruption of work, inability to meet deadlines	Working from alternate locations with stable power supply
Internet disruptions	Slow speeds, difficulty in communicating with clients	Investing in backup internet connections, using mobile data
Fuel shortages	Difficulty in commuting to office, increased transportation costs	Encouraging remote work, carpooling, using public transport

Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis Threatens Its Dollar-Earning IT Firms

Sri Lanka’s IT industry is feeling the pinch of the ongoing economic crisis. The sector was a major foreign currency earner, employing over 120,000 people before the pandemic. Now, it faces challenges due to economic mismanagement and currency depreciation.

Importance of IT Industry as a Foreign Currency Earner

The IT industry has been crucial to Sri Lanka’s economy. It was on track to become the top exporter within five years. The sector also aimed to double its workforce.

However, the current economic situation has put these goals at risk. The industry’s growth and potential are now threatened.

FAO and Norad are working to boost Sri Lanka’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. They aim to improve sustainable fishing and the country’s blue economy. The project fights illegal fishing and increases climate change resilience.

It also reduces food waste in the fisheries value chain. This is done through technical support and technology upgrades. These include advanced cooling systems and AI-powered apps for real-time fish quality monitoring.

Investor Confidence and Business Expansion Concerns

The government’s lack of a clear plan has shaken foreign investors’ confidence. Some companies are looking to expand outside Sri Lanka. This move aims to boost investor confidence and ensure business continuity.

The economic crisis has made living costs skyrocket. The Sri Lankan rupee has lost 75% of its value against the US dollar. This has led to critical shortages, affecting normal business operations.

IT firms are struggling to meet service level expectations. The challenging economic environment is making it difficult to maintain business standards.

Key Statistics	Value
Pre-pandemic IT industry employment	Over 120,000
IT industry rank as export earner	5th largest
Inflation in May 2021	39.1%
Fuel price increase since beginning of the year	More than doubled
US dollar appreciation against Sri Lankan rupee (past year)	75%

Brain Drain and Talent Retention Challenges

Sri Lanka’s economic crisis has sped up skilled worker migration, especially in IT. The economy shrank by 8.7% in 2022. Half of young, educated people want to leave, risking a brain drain that could hurt future growth.

IT companies are trying to keep top talent. They’re pegging salaries to foreign currencies like the US dollar. This hurts smaller IT firms with local clients. They can’t match these salaries and may lose staff to bigger companies.

Impact on Smaller IT Firms and Local Clients

The crisis hits smaller IT firms and local clients harder. These firms can’t compete with big companies’ salary strategies. They struggle to keep skilled workers and finish projects on time.

Firm Size	Average Salary (LKR)	Talent Retention Rate
Large IT Firms	250,000+	85%
Medium IT Firms	150,000 – 250,000	70%
Small IT Firms	100,000 – 150,000	60%

Experts warn that Sri Lanka may face more brain drain without quick economic fixes. This could be similar to Lebanon’s experience. The government and IT industry must work together to keep talent.

They need to create long-term strategies to support smaller IT firms. This will help the sector stay strong during tough times. It will also protect IT professionals’ jobs.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka’s IT industry faces major challenges due to the country’s economic crisis. Power outages, fuel shortages, and currency issues disrupt operations. These problems threaten to drive away skilled workers.

The economic turmoil has shaken investor confidence in the IT sector. This industry is crucial for Sri Lanka’s foreign currency earnings. The government must solve the crisis and improve infrastructure.

Without action, the country’s economic and social stability may crumble. Brain drain could worsen if the situation doesn’t improve. The IT industry’s growth is vital for Sri Lanka’s future.

However, there’s still hope for recovery and growth in the IT sector. Sri Lanka can focus on keeping talented workers and rebuilding trust. Creating a good environment for IT growth is key.

With the right steps, Sri Lanka can become competitive in the global IT market again. The road to recovery may be tough. But with proper support, the IT industry can emerge stronger than before.

Sri Lanka’s parliament has passed the controversial Online Safety Bill. It gives the government broad powers to regulate online content and social media platforms. The bill allows a commission to order the removal of “prohibited statements” and pursue legal action against publishers.

The legislation passed with 108 votes in favor and 62 against. It comes as Sri Lanka tries to recover from a severe economic crisis. Last year, protests demanding reform led to the ousting of top leaders.

Those found guilty of publishing prohibited content face hefty fines and up to five years in prison. International organizations worry these restrictions could weaken governance and increase corruption. Tech giants warn the bill could harm Sri Lanka’s digital economy.

The bill’s passage raises fears about Sri Lanka sliding towards authoritarian rule. UN experts caution it could suppress dissenting voices. Concerns persist about the bill’s impact on freedom of expression and press freedom.

This comes as Sri Lanka prepares for presidential elections later this year. The new law could affect Sri Lanka’s evolving digital landscape. Many worry about its long-term effects on democracy and free speech.

Key Takeaways

• Sri Lanka’s parliament passes the Online Safety Bill, allowing government control over online content and social media.
• The bill empowers a commission to order the removal of “prohibited statements” and take legal action against publishers.
• Critics warn the bill could stifle dissent, undermine the digital economy, and lead to authoritarian rule.
• Sri Lanka is still recovering from a severe economic crisis and political upheaval in 2022.
• Concerns persist about the bill’s impact on freedom of expression and press freedom as Sri Lanka prepares for presidential elections.

Sri Lanka’s Controversial Online Safety Bill

Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Bill has sparked controversy due to its potential impact on digital rights and free speech. The bill aims to regulate internet content and remove posts deemed “prohibited statements.”

It was published on September 18, 2023, and tabled in Parliament on October 3, 2023. The bill proposes a government-appointed commission to oversee online content regulation.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill proposes a five-member Online Safety Commission appointed by Sri Lanka’s Executive President. This commission would have the power to remove content and block access to accounts.

The bill sets harsh penalties for online posts, including up to 20 years imprisonment. This has raised concerns about the severity of punishments for online activities.

The proposed legislation outlines various offenses with punishments including imprisonment and fines. These are detailed in the table below:

Offense	Punishment
Sharing prohibited statements	Up to 5 years imprisonment and/or fine
Failure to comply with commission orders	Up to 2 years imprisonment and/or fine
Repeated violations	Up to 20 years imprisonment and/or fine

Opposition and Criticism from Media and Civil Rights Groups

Media, internet, and civil rights groups strongly oppose the Online Safety Bill. They argue it would undermine freedoms and create a chilling effect on free speech.

From October 3rd to 17th, 2023, 45 petitions challenged the bill’s constitutionality. This highlights widespread concern over its impact on digital rights and self-censorship.

The Asia Internet Coalition, representing major tech companies, warns the bill could harm Sri Lanka’s digital economy. It may also deter foreign direct investment.

Journalists fear the bill could severely impact their work. This could lead to self-censorship and the closure of news websites.

Despite the Supreme Court’s 2023 verdict, many fundamental flaws remain unaddressed. These include provisions for an opaque regulatory body without independent oversight.

The bill could worsen Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. It may have far-reaching effects on platform accountability and internet regulation in the country.

Sri Lanka Passes Bill Allowing Government to Remove Online Posts

Sri Lanka’s parliament passed the controversial Online Safety bill with a majority vote. Opposition parties, media groups, and civil rights activists raised concerns. The bill aims to tackle online fraud, cyber harassment, and data theft.

Critics fear it could limit free speech and press freedom. The government claims it will protect user privacy and national security.

Government’s Justification for the Bill

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles introduced the bill to fight rising online crimes. In 2022, over 8,000 complaints about online offenses were filed with Sri Lankan police.

These included sexual abuse, financial scams, and cyber harassment. Alles stated the bill wasn’t meant to harass media or political opponents.

Concerns over Freedom of Expression and Press Freedom

Rights groups worry about the bill’s impact on internet freedom. They fear it could suppress anti-government protests. US Ambassador Julie Chung urged transparency to protect people’s voices.

The International Federation of Journalists criticized the proposed commission. They say it’s controlled by the President, opposing true press freedom. This contradicts the need for a self-regulating media system.

Key Statistics	Details
Online Safety Bill Vote	Passed with 108 votes in favor, 62 against in the 225-member parliament
Online Crime Complaints (2022)	More than 8,000 complaints filed, including sexual abuse, financial scams, cyber harassment, and data theft
Sri Lanka’s Debt Crisis	Declared bankruptcy in 2022 with over $83 billion in debt, more than half owed to foreign creditors
IMF Bailout Package	Agreed to a $2.9 billion bailout package for Sri Lanka
Upcoming Presidential Election	Scheduled to be held later this year

Conclusion

Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Bill has sparked debate about freedom of expression. Critics worry it gives authorities too much power to censor content. The government says it’s needed to fight online crimes.

The bill’s restrictions may discourage tech giants from investing in Sri Lanka. This could slow economic growth and technological progress. Many question the government’s ability to judge truth from falsehood.

The bill is a hot topic as Sri Lanka nears its presidential election. Public discontent is already high due to new taxes and rising energy costs. Religious diversity may be at risk if certain voices are suppressed.

Sri Lanka must carefully weigh the bill’s consequences. A balanced approach is needed to protect citizens’ rights and support the digital economy. The country should aim for transparency, accountability, and free expression.

Sri Lanka’s Consulate General in Mumbai is organizing the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the 5th World Trade Expo (WTE 2024). This international trade fair will take place on October 17-18, 2024. It aims to boost business opportunities and economic growth through global networking.

WTE 2024 will gather over 30 countries, state governments, and trade bodies. The event will promote bilateral trade, investment, and education. Exhibitors will showcase an export potential of USD 31.8 billion for Indian businesses.

Key sectors include chemicals, pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles, and metal products. Engineering goods, agro, and allied sectors will also be featured. The expo focuses on trade, technology, tourism, and education.

Sri Lanka’s participation will highlight its diverse products and investment opportunities. This aligns with the country’s projected 4.4% economic growth in. The event provides a platform for businesses to explore new partnerships.

Key Takeaways

• Sri Lanka to participate in the 5th World Trade Expo in Mumbai, India, from October 17-18, 2024
• Over 30 countries will showcase untapped export potential of USD 31.8 billion for Indian businesses
• Sectors highlighted include chemicals, pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles, metal products, engineering goods, and agro sectors
• The event focuses on fostering trade, technology, tourism, and education collaborations
• Sri Lanka aims to showcase its diverse products and investment opportunities to contribute to its projected 4.4% economic growth in 2024

Sri Lanka Pavilion Showcases Diverse Products and Opportunities

The Sri Lanka Pavilion at the World Trade Expo 2024 in Mumbai showcased the country’s finest products. It highlighted Sri Lanka’s potential for export promotion and investment prospects. The pavilion aimed to strengthen ties between Sri Lanka and India.

Ceylon Spices, Coconut Products, and Dehydrated Fruits on Display

Visitors enjoyed a sensory experience at the Sri Lanka Pavilion. They savored the aroma of Ceylon spices and tasted delicious coconut products. The display also featured vibrant dehydrated fruits.

• Ceylon cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom
• Coconut oil, coconut water, and desiccated coconut
• Dehydrated mango, pineapple, and papaya
• Ceylon tea

Four Sri Lankan Companies Introduce New Value-Added Products to Indian Market

Four innovative Sri Lankan companies showcased new value-added products for the Indian market. This move strengthened investment prospects and bilateral relations.

Company	Product
Cinnamon Exports Ltd.	Cinnamon-infused chocolate
Coconut Delights Pvt. Ltd.	Coconut milk powder
Cocoa Innovations	Cocoa butter lotion
Tropical Fruits Co.	Dehydrated fruit and nut mix

These companies show Sri Lanka’s dedication to value addition and product diversification. They create exciting investment opportunities for Indian businesses. Sri Lanka aims to boost its exports and become a key global market player.

World Trade Expo 2024 Highlights Opportunities for Collaboration

Mumbai hosted the fifth World Trade Expo from October 17-18. The event promoted bilateral trade among 37 countries. It aimed to boost India’s trade with developing nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Over 100 exhibitors showcased trade and investment opportunities. The Expo focused on green energy and innovation. This aligns with India’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

Maharashtra plans to increase its solar power capacity significantly. By 2025, it aims to reach 12,930 MW from the current 5,080 MW.

World Trade Expo Focuses on Trade, Technology, Tourism, and Education

The Expo offered a platform for various sectors. These included trade, technology, tourism, and education. Participants explored untapped export potential worth USD 117 billion.

They engaged with 30 countries and regions at the event. This interaction opened doors for new business opportunities.

Region	India’s Total Merchandise Trade	India’s Exports	India’s Imports
Participating Regions	28%	35%	24%

Over 30 Countries and Trade Bodies Facilitate Bilateral Engagement

Representatives from over 30 countries attended the Expo. Various trade bodies also participated. This gathering fostered cross-border collaborations and bilateral engagements.

India’s existing trade agreements provided a strong foundation. These agreements involve countries like Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and South Korea. ASEAN nations such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand were also included.

Platform for MSMEs, Women Entrepreneurs, and Startups to Explore Collaborations

The Expo offered opportunities for various business groups. MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and startups explored potential partnerships. They connected with global counterparts and learned about technology transfers.

Emerging African economies presented promising business prospects. These included Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. They offered opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, and services.

The Expo aimed to foster cooperation in various fields. These included food security, energy, sustainable development, and space science. Digital economy, education, and skill development were also key focus areas.

Conclusion

The World Trade Expo 2024 in Mumbai ended successfully, fostering future collaboration between Sri Lanka and India. It provided a platform for networking and exploring new business opportunities. Participants established valuable connections across various sectors.

Sri Lankan companies displayed diverse products and services, catching Indian businesses’ attention. The expo revealed potential for bilateral trade and investment. Opportunities spanned industries like spices, coconut products, and dehydrated fruits.

Sri Lanka’s recovery from COVID-19 is aided by initiatives like the visa-free entry program. Enhanced air connectivity with countries like Pakistan will boost tourism and economic growth. The expo acted as a catalyst for partnerships and economic progress.

Sri Lankan businesses are now ready to use their new connections and opportunities. The event created a strong base for future collaborations. Economic ties between the two nations are set to grow significantly.