In brief
The 2026 first‑half census data reveal a slight decline in computer literacy, with only 38.1% able to use computers versus 38.4% a year earlier. Digital literacy remains high at 72.5%, and Internet use has climbed to 63.9%. Regional disparities show the Western Province leading at 47.6%, while the North Central Province lags at 27.5%.
On November 5, 2026 the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) released new figures that only 38.1 percent of Sri Lankans aged five to 69 can use a computer, a slight drop from 38.4 percent reported for the first half of 2025, according to Xinhua.
The bulletin, which covers the period from January to June 2026, notes that 62 percent of the population in the same age group are unable to independently operate a computer. In contrast, the data show that 72.5 percent possess digital literacy – the ability to use smartphones and tablets independently – underscoring a strong reliance on mobile devices for digital interactions.
Internet usage rose to 63.9 percent from 60.4 percent in the corresponding period of 2025, while email usage increased modestly to 21.9 percent, the bulletin cites. The rise in Internet penetration reflects growing connectivity, even as direct computer skills remain limited.
The device‑usage breakdown reveals that smartphones account for 80.9 percent of all devices used to access the Internet or email, whereas desktops and laptops together represent only 17.1 percent, highlighting the dominance of mobile platforms in the country’s online activities.
Regional data from Hirunews illustrate significant variation across provinces: the Western Province reports the highest computer‑literacy rate at 47.6 percent, whereas the North Central Province records the lowest at 27.5 percent. This provincial disparity points to uneven access to computer training and infrastructure across the island.
Collectively, the census snapshot paints a picture of a society where mobile digital fluency has surged but traditional computer literacy lags, suggesting a need for targeted educational programs to bridge the skill gap and support broader digital inclusion initiatives.
