Role of telecentres and their sustainability in bridging the digital divide in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) offer a potentially powerful tool of contributing to rural development. A Telecentre is a public place where people can access computers, and other digital technologies that enable people to gather information, create, learn, and communicate with others. General objective of the study was to examine the effectiveness of Telecentres in facilitating ICT access to public in Sri Lanka. Galle, Matara and Hambanthota districts (Southern province) in Sri Lanka were selected for the study. The two main stakeholders, namely Telecentre operators and their beneficiaries were focused. Seventy six Telecentre operators and 138 beneficiaries were selected for the study, using stratified random sampling. SPSS computer package was used for descriptive and inferential analysis of data. ICTA and Sarvodaya, had implemented Telecentres by targeting marginalized community. They had socially oriented institutional goals to be achieved through Telecentres. Majority of the Telecentres were located in rural and semi urban areas, facilitating ICT access to rural community. School goers, school leavers and job seekers were the main customer groups. Telecentre operators had their customer group varied between 6 years to 50yrs. Internet browsing; ICT course training, Typesetting, Photocopying, Telephone calls, Fax, and Learning CD's were offered at Telecentres. There was a significant relationship between effectiveness of the Telecentre and services provided. The Growth of Telecentres had significant relationships with Social network, Managerial skills, Educational level of operators, and Operators' attitudes. Telecentres had served customers in many ways. They have reduced the digital divide in Sri Lanka.