Digital Literacy and Employability Among Youth in Sri Lanka

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Introduction



Competencies in using technology have today become very important for employability in an increasingly digital world. The ability to search, understand, critically evaluate, and create information with the use of digital technologies, or what has been considered as digital literacy, will be a requirement for youth competing in the globalized knowledge economy. Digital literacy is therefore seen as a strategic avenue toward better employment outcomes in Sri Lanka, where the incidence of youth unemployment tends to persist. According to the Department of Census and Statistics, 63.5% of Sri Lankans aged 5–69 were digitally literate in 2023, while computer literacy was only 39% (Ada Derana, 2024). The youth, or those individuals falling between 15 and 29 years of age, are usually the most dynamic part of the labor market; hence, understanding how digital literacy influences their employability is very important. This essay investigates the current status of digital literacy among youth in Sri Lanka, its linkage with employability, and the broader implications for policy and human resource development.

Discussion

In the recent past, the digital literacy rates of Sri Lankan youth have increased significantly. According to statistics, 93.7% of the youth in the age group of 20–24 years had digital literacy in the year 2024 (Ceylon Today, 2024). Previous studies reported that 73.9%, 77.6%, and 68.9% of youth aged between 15–19, 20–24, and 25–29-year-olds, respectively, had basic digital skills (Wijesekara & Senevirathne, 2018). These figures are indicative of the rapid adoption of digital technologies by the younger generations.





However, digital literacy and employability are not always related in such a straightforward manner. For instance, research by the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka even documented how digitally literate youth were sometimes more likely to constitute the pool of unemployed people because of skill mismatches and inflated job expectations (Sabaragamuwa University Journal of Management, 2021). That is, although digital literacy improves the potential to become employable, it does not necessarily translate into employment itself unless the skills one gains meet the demand of the labor market.

In addition, computer literacy, particularly in software use, internet skills, and digital communication, is still unequal. A 2013 study by De Silva, Kodikara, and Somarathne found that only 57% of the youth were computer literate, and approximately one-third had ever used the internet, suggesting inequalities in deeper, work-related competencies. Finally, there is inequality within rural and urban areas: while urban youth enjoy better access to and training in the internet, rural youth generally lack both infrastructure and proficiency in the English language.





The IPS says that, besides improvement in technical skills, bridging the digital divide of Sri Lanka requires enhancement in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication-skills attributes, for which employers are increasingly calling. Training programs that focus merely on basic use may improve familiarity but will not improve employability. Studies carried out by KDU in 2025 underline the fact that while digital-skill training indeed improved their technical capabilities, many still lacked real-life workplace exposure and adaptability.





The ability to enhance employability will thus be ensured when digital literacy is aligned to the industry's requirements, imbibes soft skills, and provides equal access regardless of socio-economic background



Conclusion

 Digital literacy, therefore, is a question of prime relevance for employability among the Sri Lankan youth in the face of a digitized economy. While high levels of awareness about digital technologies among the young people are encouraging, for real employability, mere acquaintance with technology is inadequate; deeper competencies, practical exposures, and alignment to the dynamic labor market become necessary. Improvement in the quality of digital education, expanding access to rural areas, integrating soft-skill development, and building stronger linkages between educational institutions and industry should be the focus of policymakers. It is here that Sri Lanka can make a difference by empowering its youth through digital literacy to meet the challenges of a technology-driven future.

REFERENCES

References 

Ada Derana (2024) ‘Three out of five people digitally literate in Sri Lanka – survey’, Ada Derana, 12 June. Available at: https://www.adaderana.lk/news/99829/three-out-of-five-people-digitally-literate-in-sri-lanka-survey (Accessed 6 November 2025).


Ceylon Today (2024) ‘93.7% of youth between 20–24 years digitally literate – CSD’, Ceylon Today, 22 September. Available at: https://ceylontoday.lk/2025/09/22/93-7-of-youth-between20-24-years-digitally-literate-csd/ (Accessed 6 November 2025).


De Silva, W.I., Kodikara, P. and Somarathne, R. (2013) ‘Sri Lankan youth and their exposure to computer literacy’, Sri Lanka Journal of Advanced Social Studies, 3(1), pp. 27–52. doi:10.4038/sljass.v3i1.7127.


Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) (2024) ‘Digital skills as key to bridging the skills gap and tackling youth unemployment in Sri Lanka’. Available at: https://www.ips.lk/dr-ganga-tilakaratna-highlights-digital-skills-as-key-to-bridging-the-skills-gap-and-tackling-youth-unemployment-in-sri-lanka/ (Accessed 6 November 2025).

Sabaragamuwa University Journal of Management (2021) ‘Digital literacy and employability among Sri Lankan youth’. Available at: https://www.sab.ac.lk/mgmt/ajms/assets/AJMS_03.pdf (Accessed 6 November 2025).

Wijesekara, R. and Senevirathne, M. (2018) ‘Digital literacy of Sri Lankan youth: Evidence from labour force survey data’, Sri Lanka Journal of Economic Research, 6(2), pp. 23–41.

Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) (2025) ‘Impact of digital skills training on youth employability’, VISTA Conference Proceedings 2025. Available at: https://fmsh.kdu.ac.lk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/VISTA-PROCEEDINGS-BOOK-2025.pdf (Accessed 6 November 2025).


Comments

  1. Dayan26 November 2025 at 10:04


    This article provides a crucial, data-driven perspective that moves beyond simply celebrating rising digital literacy rates. It astutely identifies the "skill mismatch" problem, highlighting that technical familiarity alone does not guarantee employment without the complementary soft skills and industry alignment. The focus on rural-urban divides and the need for practical, real-world training offers a clear and actionable roadmap for policymakers and educators. This is an essential read for anyone working to effectively bridge the gap between Sri Lanka's youth and the demands of the modern labor market.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hanaa Latheef12 December 2025 at 19:21

    This blog offers a thorough and insightful examination of digital literacy and youth employability in Sri Lanka. It effectively balances statistical evidence with analysis of skill gaps, rural-urban disparities, and the need for soft skills and practical experience. The discussion highlights that while digital literacy is growing, employability depends on aligning technical skills with industry needs and enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. The blog convincingly emphasizes policy interventions and educational strategies to bridge the digital divide, making it highly relevant for HR, education, and workforce development stakeholders.

    ReplyDelete

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