SMART Society and Citizen Capacity Building Programs Including Suhuruliya

In the intricate mosaic of societal advancement, the role of citizens is pivotal. A true digital transformation must not merely unfold within the realms of technology; its success hinges on uplifting the lives of the majority. Sri Lanka, with 80% of its populace dwelling in rural landscapes and nearly half grappling with poverty, demanded a robust digital evolution that could propel substantial economic growth across demographics.

In pursuit of this, the objective was clear: instigate a cultural shift towards continuous learning and empowerment by promoting digital skills among Sri Lankan citizens.

The mobile landscape in Sri Lanka unfolds intriguing patterns. The average user spends USD 5.30 per month, contributing 1.6% to GDP per capita. Beyond affordability, usage patterns are intricately woven with social norms, individual needs, and educational literacy. Among non-users, 58% cite a lack of necessity, and 11% mention unfamiliarity with mobile operations. Smartphone preferences stand at 47%, showcasing a nuanced tapestry of choices.

Yet, disparities echo louder in the rural-urban divide. Mobile ownership and internet usage tilt favorably towards urban dwellers, perpetuating a digital divide. Gender nuances play a role, with women trailing behind in mobile ownership, internet use, and social media engagement.

Computer literacy charts a promising yet gender-skewed trajectory, posing a challenge that beckons to be addressed. Despite strides, the gap endures, and positive developments among youth warrant more focused initiatives.

The Smart Society and Citizen Capacity Building Project by ICTA emerged as a beacon of change. With a lens focused on empowering citizens with digital literacy, it aimed at enabling ICTs for government service access, education, and employment opportunities.

The benefits unfolded across various facets:

-Government Services: Increased efficiency and effectiveness.

-Government Sector: Improved transparency, accountability, and decision-making.

-Economy: Cost reduction, heightened citizen satisfaction, increased economic growth, poverty reduction, and improved social and environmental well-being.

A remarkable stride towards gender equality materialized in the ""Women and ICT Frontier Initiative (WIFI),"" locally known as ""Suhuruliya."" Launched in 2016, it bespoke a tailored approach for Sri Lankan women. The collaborative effort aimed to strengthen female entrepreneurs' capacity, address barriers hindering ICT integration, empower women in technological realms, and enhance the capacity of leaders for ICT development.

Comprising two main components, the project empowered Women Development Officers (WDOs) on the ground and equipped female entrepreneurs with digital skills over five years. The holistic approach fostered digital literacy, digital marketing expertise, and overall digital competency.

This initiative reached its zenith in 2022, leaving an indelible mark. The first phase alone empowered 17,500 women entrepreneurs, with a substantial 36% increase in income through the adoption of digital marketing. The echoes of this transformation reverberated beyond economic realms, contributing to a substantial annual revenue increase of LKR 1.2 billion.

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, Sri Lanka witnessed not just technological empowerment but a societal shift, breaking barriers and fostering an inclusive era of progress