This report presents the findings of a comprehensive digital literacy assessment conducted in the Vanni region of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, where the last phase of the civil war took place 15 years ago, causing severe damage to human life and economic and social structures. Collaboratively undertaken by the University of Vavuniya, Sri Lanka and The Gate Institute, UK/ Sri Lanka, the study highlights the disparities in access to digital infrastructure and skills across Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar districts of Vanni. Leveraging UNESCO’s Digital Literacy Global Framework, the research identifies barriers, explores mediating variables like gender and socioeconomic status, and offers actionable policy recommendations to ensure digital inclusion for all.
1. Digital Infrastructure Access
The assessment reveals that smartphones are the most widely available digital devices, with 92.3% of households owning at least one. Mannar district leads in smartphone penetration, with 98.85% of households reporting ownership. Internet access is relatively high across the three districts, with Mannar showing the highest connectivity rate at 90.48%, followed by Vavuniya (85.86%) and Mullaitivu (85.41%). Mobile connections dominate as the primary means of internet access, while broadband usage remains limited. In contrast, ownership of computers and tablets is significantly lower, with only 12% of households owning a computer and 5.4% owning a tablet.
2. Digital Literacy Skills
Proficiency in digital skills varies significantly across basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. Foundational tasks such as charging devices, making calls, and saving contacts exhibit high proficiency rates, exceeding 95%. Moderate proficiency is observed in tasks like web browsing (79%) and conducting keyword searches (83%). However, advanced skills show significant gaps, with only about 50% of respondents proficient in email-related tasks such as creating, reading, and sending emails, and 17% finding employment through websites and social media, only 30% accessing government services through websites.
3. Gender Disparities
Gender-based differences are evident in both device ownership and skill proficiency. Males report higher ownership of computers and laptops and outperform females in advanced skills like online research and email usage. Conversely, women slightly excel in basic tasks such as saving contacts, reflecting potential differences in access and usage patterns.
4. Age-Based Trends
The study highlights clear age-based trends in digital literacy. Younger respondents, particularly those aged 12–18, demonstrate higher proficiency in advanced digital skills, such as social media usage and online browsing. In contrast, older respondents aged 30–40 show greater proficiency in basic tasks like making phone calls and operating devices.
5. Socioeconomic Gaps
The findings indicate a strong correlation between household wealth and digital literacy. Wealthier households exhibit better proficiency in advanced skills, such as web browsing and email usage. However, basic skills remain consistent across all socioeconomic groups, suggesting that foundational competencies are less influenced by economic disparities.
These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address gaps in advanced digital skills, bridge gender disparities, and improve access to digital infrastructure in underserved communities.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This digital literacy assessment has provided valuable insights into the state of digital access, skill proficiency, and barriers across the Vanni region of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. While foundational skills such as making phone calls and saving contacts are nearly universal, significant gaps remain in advanced competencies like email proficiency and internet navigation, particularly among older individuals and economically disadvantaged groups. The findings highlight the urgent need for educational interventions targeting advanced skills, with a specific focus on fostering email usage and online research capabilities.
Advanced competencies, such as email usage, mobile banking app and job-search skills, are essential for accessing existing opportunities, creating new opportunities, and empowering the disadvantaged. Gender disparities also persist, as women report lower participation in advanced digital tasks. Targeted programs should aim to bridge this gap by increasing female involvement in skills such as email creation and usage, which are critical for professional and personal empowerment.
Addressing socio-economic disparities is another critical area of focus. Policymakers must prioritize the expansion of digital infrastructure and provide subsidized devices for lower-income households to enable skill development.
The study also emphasizes the potential of youth as a key demographic, as younger respondents demonstrate higher proficiency in advanced digital skills. Leveraging their abilities through peer-led digital literacy programs can effectively bridge skill gaps.
Furthermore, the findings suggest that systemic and economic factors, rather than the availability of electricity or smartphones, are the primary barriers to internet access, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to ensure equitable digital inclusion. By implementing these recommendations, Sri Lanka can empower its communities, align with global standards like UNESCO’s Digital Literacy Global Framework, and advance toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Read the full report as a PDF: Bridging-the-Digital-Divide-2024 (1) – Copy