Page 73 - RASAS 2025

10 Ruhuna Arts Student’s Annual Sessions (RASAS) -2025
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The Role of Information Technology in Enhancing Small Businesses in
Sri Lanka

E.P.H.S. Kulasinghe
Department of Information Technology, University of Ruhuna
Samadhi.19969@uhss.ruh.ac.lk

ABSTRACT

Small businesses significantly contribute to the Sri Lankan economy by generating employment and
entrepreneurship at the local level. The purpose of this study is to investigate the application of information

technology to improve the competitiveness and growth of small businesses in Sri Lanka. Key technologies
analyzed include digital marketing, online payments, electronic commerce websites, and cloud services. A
mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating quantitative data from structured questionnaires

and qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with approximately 125 small business owners (5
members from each district across diverse regions of Sri Lanka). The Industrial Development Board provided

valuable assistance in facilitating data collection. The study also identifies common barriers to IT adoption,
such as limited finances, low digital literacy, and inadequate infrastructure. The anticipated outcomes are likely
to determine that companies utilizing IT tools in advance have higher customer satisfaction, business

productivity, and improved market performance. The research also highlights notable gaps in digital awareness
and access, which deter wider technology adoption. The findings of the study will guide practical

recommendations for entrepreneurs, policy-makers, and technology providers in order to maximize IT
adoption in the small business sector. Lastly, this research contributes to Sri Lanka’s sustainable economic
development by empowering small businesses with essential digital skills and resources to compete

effectively.

Keywords: Business Development, Digital Adoption, Information Technology, Small Business, Sri Lanka

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