In brief
The latest census figures released by Sri Lanka’s Department of Census and Statistics indicate that 38.1% of people aged 5 to 69 are computer literate, down slightly from 38.4% a year earlier. Digital literacy—ability to use smartphones and tablets—stands at 72.5%, and internet use has risen to 63.9%. Province‑level data highlights a stark disparity, with the Western Province at 47.6% computer literacy and the North Central Province at 27.5%.
In Colombo on Nov. 5, the Department of Census and Statistics released figures showing that 38.1% of Sri Lankans aged 5‑69 are computer literate, a decline from 38.4% in the corresponding period 2025, according to Xinhua.
By contrast, the same bulletin notes that digital literacy—defined as the ability to independently operate smartphones and tablets—reaches 72.5%.
Internet usage has increased to 63.9% from 60.4% a year earlier, while email usage rose only marginally to 21.9%, Xinhua reported.
Smartphones account for 80.9% of devices used to access the internet or email, compared with 17.1% for desktops and laptops.
Province‑level data from Hiru News shows the Western Province leading at 47.6% computer literacy, while the North Central Province records the lowest rate at 27.5%.
Over half of Sri Lankans cannot independently use a computer, a figure highlighted by the Daily Mirror’s breaking‑news coverage, which cited the same Department of Census and Statistics data.
