Freelancer TV Series
The "Freelancer - TV Series", initiated in 2023 is a significant undertaking by the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka. This project aligns with the digital economy strategy, aiming to design and implement capacity-building strategies to empower individuals for employment in the ICT sector, ultimately enriching the digital economy. The Freelancer drive was conceived with three primary focus areas: creating a conducive environment for freelancing, facilitating the growth of existing freelancers, and attracting, onboarding, and retaining new freelancers.
To achieve these objectives, various initiatives are being piloted, targeting diverse segments of society. A key partnership in this endeavor is with the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC). Recognizing the mutual benefit of collaboration, ICTA and SLRC have joined forces to drive national freelancer development. This partnership leverages the expertise and extensive experience of both organizations to collaborate in advancing the digital transformation of Sri Lanka. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) submitted for approval outlines the understanding between the parties for their collaboration in enhancing the digital workforce, promoting freelancing, and fostering digital adoption among Sri Lankan citizens.
The primary objectives of the "Freelancer - TV Series" are twofold. Firstly, it aims to raise awareness, build capacity, and promote freelancing and digital entrepreneurship among the Sri Lankan population through the National Freelancer Development Drive. Secondly, it strives to empower Sri Lankan youth by developing employment and entrepreneurship-focused digital skills through the organization of promotional and educational programs, primarily in the form of TV programs, and the creation of multimedia content.
The project scope is well-defined, with ICTA and SLRC focusing on providing proper guidance, government support, and an efficient mechanism for the development of the freelancing ecosystem. Key elements of this initiative include training and awareness programs tailored to the needs of the Sri Lankan freelancing community. The ultimate goal is to shape the future of Sri Lankan freelancers and digital entrepreneurs by fostering a conducive environment for their growth and success. The project is structured around two main segments: a Discussion series for motivation, facilitation, and upskilling programs, and Content Creation.
The "Freelancer - TV Series" involves other partners, notably the Online Entrepreneurs Club of Sri Lanka, which contributes to the project's success especially by providing resource persons.
The expected outcomes of this project are multifaceted and include reducing the unemployment rate among youths, creating improved job opportunities for Sri Lankan youth in the ICT industry, enhancing collaboration among various stakeholders, increasing the number of registered freelancers contributing to the national GDP, improving the quality and efficiency of freelancing, and boosting knowledge and understanding of freelancing among citizens. Furthermore, the project aims to augment the pool of available content that can be used to nurture successful freelancers in Sri Lanka.