The_Role_of_Technology_in_Nation_Building_and_Socio-Economic_Development_in_Sri_Lanka

Sri Lanka, the beautiful tropical Island termed as the "Pearl of Indian Ocean" is a unique country in Asia due to several reasons. It has been a traditional gateway to East from the West for more than two millenniums. The country has higher human development indicators such as high literacy, law infant mortality rate, higher expected life at a lower per capita income. This is the very reason why many researchers in development studies study the unique development model. In addition the Island is known for its well established multi party democratic institutions, higher gender empowerment and active civil society. But this is the same country suffered a two decade of ethnic conflict killing more than 65000 people (considered as bloodiest conflict in Asia.) .The recent Tsunami disaster killed 35,0000 Sri Lankans and caused high economic damage. Currently Sri Lanka is working on its nation building program. The main stakeholders of the process including political parties, the government, private sector, civil society supported by the international community. The academia in Sri Lanka is contributing to the nation building process in multidimensional way. University of Moratuwa as the leading Technology University in the country is an active player in the program. Department of Management of Technology (MOT) of University of Motatuwa is the only department specialized in technology management in entire university system of Sri Lanka. The panel tries to look at the role of technology particularly digital technology and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in nation building and socio-economic development of Sri Lanka. This includes technology applications in poverty elevation, technology for higher education, and role of technology in governance ect. It is expected to discuss the current initiatives in the country, the future possibilities and implementation challenges and learning for the other countries in Asia. The panel constitutes experienced academics that are carrying out their research and teaching in the relevant academic area.