FITIS requests priority COVID-19 vaccine for ICT industry employees 

The Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS), the apex body for the ICT industry, is urging the Government to provide a COVID-19 vaccine to ICT industry employees as soon as possible on a priority basis for at least 20% of the staff who are frontliners in the ICT industry.

In a press release, FITIS said: “Currently, the ICT Industry represents a workforce standing at above 100,000; 20% of the employees are in the frontline, engaging in various ICT projects in the country, all of whom are at risk of infection due to their frequent moments. If these employees are affected with the coronavirus, current digital transformation projects in both the private and public sectors will be affected, and there will be serious repercussions as a major part of the economy now depends on digital, and services will be interrupted during this critical time.”

The IT and digital technologies have helped to create an environment that helps the government, health, education, and consumer networks to survive this turbulent time. Further, the Government has encouraged people to use more technologies, especially in the banking and education sectors, and for remort work. 

“Therefore, in this context, technology and its functioning should not be hindered. The contribution of the industry to the GDP of Sri Lanka is forecasted to be about 6%. We urge the Government to place 20% of ICT employees next in line to receive the vaccine, continuing on a priority basis,” FITIS stated.