Lanka needs to project itself as an IT-BPO destination
By Sanjeevi Jayasuriya
Sri Lanka is fast emerging as a global IT–BPO destination in the
world. However, it is necessary to promote and enhance the significant
contribution that digital technology can make to Sri Lanka’s economic
prosperity, Chairman Federation of Information Technology Sri Lanka.
Chintaka Wijewickrama told Sunday Observer Business.
.“We need to look into certain things as the industry needs to
progress in a rapid manner.
It could become one of the three key revenue generating industries
with proper facilities and human resources,” he said.
The country needs to project itself as a destination for IT/BPO by
having knowledge, soft skills and correct attitude to attract more
businesses.
We need to showcase the opportunities by having exhibitions and
through promotional work by the Chambers of commerce where display of
talent and facilities could be made, he said.A recently carried out
survey has found that Sri Lanka's fast-growing information
communications technology (ICT) industry faces difficulties in hiring
skilled staff, finding good office space and accessing fast Internet
links, it said.
Although the IT export industry will continue to grow fast, the
industry is confronted with various concerns that could become a
hindrance to its future progress, according to a new survey by
PricewaterhouseCoopers.
A key concern is the inability to access ‘quality’ office space with
parking facilities at a reasonable cost, said the survey commissioned by
the Export Development Board which wants to make IT a top export sector.
“Lack of skilled staff, particularly with high-end technical skills
and English language skills remains critical,” it said.
ICT and BPO (business process outsourcing) companies still faced high
costs associated with communication as well as poor service quality
internet facilities, the report said.
The sector also faced competition from rival IT export nations.
“Access to markets remains a significant concern with the client base
opting for cheaper markets followed by lack of opportunities for small
companies,” the report said.
“Poor country visibility as an IT destination, absence of up-to-date
technology, and time consuming procedures to obtain services from
institution such as the Department of Inland Revenue and Customs further
act as barriers to the industry,” it said. “In addition, global
competition from IT giants such as India and emerging market such as
Eastern Europe and South America remain a hindrance to the future growth
of the industry.” |